The Rabbi's Husband

Mohamad Jebara, the author of "Muhammad, The World-Changer," joins Mark to discuss the power of love emphasized in the "Song of Songs," the historical popularity of the text, and explains how it is the source of the Prophet Muhammad's name.  Here is the link to the verse on Sefaria.com: https://www.sefaria.org/Song_of_Songs

Pastor Dumisani Washington, pastor, composer, and Founder/CEO of Institute for Black Solidarity with Israel (IBSI), joins Mark to discuss being a church baby, his 5:00am trip to the Western Wall, and Moses' failure to enter the Holy Land. Here is the link to the verse on Sefaria.com: https://www.sefaria.org/Deuteronomy.34

Rabbi Marc Labowitz, the leader of Temple Adath Or, South Florida Center for Jewish Renewal and a composer of over 30 original Jewish songs and melodies, joins Mark to discuss being the son of two Rabbis, the impact negative speech had on King David, and how the power of words impacts our communities today.  Here is the link to the verse on Sefaria.com: https://www.sefaria.org/Psalms.34.13?lang=bi

Tucker Carlson, Fox News journalist, political commentator, and talk show host joins Mark to discuss the secrets to a long and happy marriage, the downsides of being famous, and the worst parts of being human.  Here is the link to the verse on Sefaria.com: https://www.sefaria.org/Genesis.3?lang=bi&aliyot=0

MIchael Eisenberg, co-founder and General Partner at Aleph and author of newly released The Tree of Life and Prosperity, joins Mark to discuss being a grandfather by age 50, the pivot from mobile wealth to agricultural wealth, and the need to provide an ethical framework around business.  Here is the link to the verse on Sefaria.com: https://www.sefaria.org/Genesis.25.27

Rabbi Mark Wildes, founder and director of Manhattan Jewish Experience, joins Mark to discuss Tom Brady's preparation regimen, being the Millenials Rabbi, and why you can't just roll into the High Holidays without some practice.  Here is the link to the verse on Sefaria.com: https://www.sefaria.org/Deuteronomy.16.19

Pano Kanelos, President of St. John's Annapolis, joins Mark to discuss the nature of satisfaction, growing up in a Greek diner, and how the St. John's educational model emphasizes intellectual curiosity and humility. From Proverbs to Shakespeare and Genesis to Socrates, read the source in the original right here. The Rabbi's Husband is produced by The Joshua Network.

Michal Oshman, head of company culture, diversity, and inclusion at Tik Tok Europe and Author of “What Would You Do If You Weren’t Afraid?” shares her life’s story with Mark Gerson.  From changing her religious ways at the age of 38, to parenthood, marriage, and business - it’s an episode you won’t want to miss!  Check out this amazing source in the original right here.

Rabbi Aaron Flanzarich, better known as “Rabbi Aaron,” leader of the Toronto Jewish community, joins Mark to discuss listening to the word of God throughout the day and how a part of the Bible exemplifies how God speaks consistently to each and every one of us. Follow along in Sefaria here.

Dr. Ruth Westheimer, Co-Author of Heavenly Sex: Sexuality in the Jewish Tradition, Holocaust Survivor, and sniper in the Israel War of independence, joins Mark to discuss her journey from being an orphan to becoming America’s sex therapist and how an age-old rabbinic text influenced her life.  See the link to her verse here in Sefaria (https://www.sefaria.org/Pirkei_Avot.4.15).  The Rabbi’s Husband is a part of The Joshua Network.

Tim Mackie, Chief Education Officer at the Bible Project, joins Mark to discuss his Oregonian origins, talking Leviticus at the skate park, and the Biblical sex scandal that reveals how the outsider can shape insider culture.  Here is the link to the verse on Sefaria.com: https://www.sefaria.org/Genesis.38

Rabbi Sherre Hirsch, Chief Innovation Officer at American Jewish University in LA, joins Mark to discuss what is Jewish spirituality, the experience of a 2000 person, non-Zoom Shivah, and the power of silence in the darkest moments. Here is the link to the verse on Sefaria.com: https://www.sefaria.org/Leviticus.10.2-7

Former US Ambassador to Israel David Friedman joins Mark to talk about being inspired by the Bible on a daily basis, what he learned about mankind from living in Israel, and how a nation’s greatest weakness can also be its source of strength.  Here is the link to the verse on Sefaria.com: https://www.sefaria.org/Deuteronomy.9.9-21

Senator Cory Booker of New Jersey joins Mark to talk about politics, Black-Jewish relations, and how Abraham's idea of hospitality continues to inspire us.   Here is the link to the verse on Sefaria.com: https://www.sefaria.org/Genesis.18.1-10

Shane Williamson, the president and CEO of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, joins Mark to talk about faith, football, and the prophet Micah's vision of what God wants us to do. Here is the link to the verse on Sefaria.com: https://www.sefaria.org/Micah.6.8 and https://www.sefaria.org/Proverbs.3.5-6 

Rabbi Sharon Brous of LA's popular IKAR joins Mark to talk about nearly missing out on the rabbinate, making people feel welcome at synagogue, and what the Ten Commandments still have to teach us today.  Here is the link to the verse on Sefaria.com: https://www.sefaria.org/Exodus.20.9-10

Rabbi Jason Rubenstein, Jewish chaplain at Yale University, joins Mark for a very special episode this week. Jason’s uniquely well-rounded education includes attending reformed Temple Micah in Washington DC as a child, spending his formative years studying at orthodox Yeshivat Ma’ale Gilboa in northern Israel, and receiving his rabbinic ordination from the conservative Jewish Theological Seminary. He has taught on the faculty of the Hadar Institute for a decade, and is the recipient of numerous awards including the Wexner Graduate Fellowship and the Covenant Foundation’s 2015 Pomegranate Prize for Emerging Educators. The passage he has chosen to discuss is Pesikta de-Rav Kahana (Mandelbaum) 19. Jason begins by sharing the passage, the notion of God’s marriage to the Jewish people illustrated within it, and the power of the Torah to sustain the Jewish people during God’s perceived absence. He and Mark then set off on a fascinating discussion of a number of related concepts including the rebirth of Hebrew and the Jewish State, the purpose of rituals, the Jewish commitment to Israel, and the nature of Zionism. The function and nature of prayer, the contrast between faith and belief, and the reason this passage holds such significance for Jason are also explored. As the episode draws to a close, Jason shares the lessons regarding humankind which he has learned, which leads to a discussion regarding the function of intellectual endeavor. In this remarkably dynamic conversation, the sheer amount of enthusiasm, knowledge, and insight of both host and guest entertains and informs as they clearly demonstrate yet again that the ‘wisdom in our tradition is boundless’ and the lessons eternal. Episode Highlights: · Jason’s telling of the parable · God’s marriage with the Jewish people · God’s return to the Jewish people in 1948 · The rebirth of Hebrew and the Jewish State · The purpose of rituals · The Jewish commitment to Israel · A baseball analogy for sacrifice · The nature of Zionism · The nature and function of prayer · The reason this text is so important to Jason · Faith and belief · The lessons about humankind that Jason has learned · The function of the intellectual endeavor Quotes: “I can’t believe you waited for me.” “Were it not for those letters that I kept, I would have left you a long time ago.” “God doesn’t promise us an easy time.” “God was absent.” “The portable homeland of the Jews.” “This text is, in a profound sense, atheistic.” “In 1911, the conclusion that Hebrew would not be revived was correct.” “The only way that she can keep him present in her life is by preserving the absence that he left…a hopeless romantic.” “Sacrifice is a game.” “There is absolutely no consensus for Zionism among Jews in the early 20th century.” “Religious institutions only take on their meaning in the context of the total absence of God’s presence.” “Unless you have that kind of doubt, you can’t have that kind of religious life that’s described in this text.” “The human soul is like a great wild animal.” “Your hard work as a mother is finally starting to pay off.” “Can I distill this and translate it in a way that touches someone’s heart?” “The Torah’s our great guidebook.” Pesikta de-Rav Kahana (Mandelbaum) 19: https://www.sefaria.org/Pesikta_D'Rav_Kahanna.19?lang=bi Links: The Rabbi’s Husband homepage: The Rabbi's Husband Mark’s Twitter: Mark Gerson - The Rabbi's Husband (@markgerson) The Rabbi’s Husband Newsletter contact: daniel@therabbishusband.com Rabbi Rubenstein’s Lecture on Miracles

Mark is delighted to welcome Russ Roberts, possibly America’s premier popular economist, to the podcast today. A host of his own remarkably successful podcast, ‘EconTalk’, Russ is also a prolific writer in many forms, including rap, on a variety of topics such as economics and liberty. A three-time ‘Teacher of the Year’ at George Mason University, Russ currently teaches at Stanford. The passage he has chosen to discuss with Mark today is Genesis 44. Russ begins by sharing his summary of this passage and its backstory before joining Mark in an analysis of the use of the word ‘approach’ and their differing interpretations of both Judah’s words and the notion of forgiveness within the passage. They go on to review Judah’s heroic nature, the actual definition of forgiveness, and the advisability of starting new years without bearing grudges/anti-grudges or ‘keeping score’ within marriages. Russ draws the episode to a close by sharing the lessons he has learned about humankind, highlighting the power of being present for others and simply listening to them. Today’s conversation, with its insightful back and forth of differing interpretations, demonstrates the great tradition of debating the Torah and the expansion of ideas that is inherent to this practice, revealing the lessons and guidance so applicable, and so very necessary, for our current times. Episode Highlights:  · Russ’ summary of the passage and its backstory · The use of the word ‘approach’ in the passage · Differing interpretations of Judah’s words to Joseph · Perspectives on Joseph’s forgiveness of his brothers and himself · Judah’s extraordinary qualities · Defining forgiveness · Starting new years by ‘burning them both’ · Bearing grudges and anti-grudges · ‘Keeping score’ in marriages · The lessons that Russ has learned about humankind Quotes:   “Every single time there’s polygamy in the Bible, it’s a catastrophe.” “One of the most dramatic moments in all the Bible.” “It’s ripping his heart open.” “I don’t think he really forgave them.” “He doesn’t do the basics of forgiving.” “I’m not sure Joseph ever forgives himself.” “Maybe he said to himself, ‘I kind of deserve this’.” “Judah…he’s like the forgotten hero of the Book of Genesis.” “It’s quite complicated, the psychology and emotion of this.” “If you give most people the opportunity, they will disappoint you.” “Everyone’s in a battle so be kind.” “We go through life with this ‘Imposter Syndrome’.” “The world’s a lot more complicated than it appears on the outside.” “We look for causation everywhere.” “A lot of what comfort is, is just being there and allowing the other person to be heard.”   Genesis 44 - https://www.sefaria.org/Genesis.44.1-34?lang=bi&with=all&lang2=en  Links: The Rabbi’s Husband homepage: The Rabbi's Husband Mark’s Twitter: Mark Gerson - The Rabbi's Husband (@markgerson) The Rabbi’s Husband Newsletter contact: daniel@therabbishusband.com

Mark is delighted to welcome Pastor Will Ford to the podcast today. Currently the Director of the Marketplace Leadership Major at Christ For The Nations Institute, in Dallas, Texas, Pastor Ford is also the founder of Hilkiah Ministries. He has been interviewed by CBS, featured on The 700 Club and also in Charisma and many other media outlets, and is known internationally for his family heirloom which he brings with him to the interview today to show and discuss with Mark, pictures of which you can find by visiting The Rabbi’s Husband homepage and Twitter page. The passages Pastor Ford has chosen for today are Joshua 4:20-24 and 1 Kings 18:31-32. Pastor Ford begins by describing his very special family heirloom, the role it has played in his life and the lives of his ancestors, some examples of the cruelty suffered by slaves, and the connection between Black Christians and the Jewish people. He then shares the fascinating story of a dream he had involving Dr. King, the impact that dream has had upon his life, and how these stories relate to today’s selected passages. Pastor Ford and Mark then explore the notion of God as a collector of memories, what God is saying to America right now, the inspirational story of Robert Russa Moton, and the development of the Pastor’s love of all things Jewish. As is the tradition, our guest concludes with the lessons he has learned about humankind. A highly engaging storyteller, Pastor Will Ford brings to life his family’s history as well as his own journey in the context of the Bible, unearthing the many profound insights to be found within these powerful passages and their very real application to current times in today’s fascinating episode.  Quotes: “Secretly, it was used for prayer.” “This is what you stand for.” “They prayed for the freedom of their children and the next generation.” “They didn’t want him to have a slave last name.” “William, get rid of your white baggage. You’ve been carrying it for way too long.” “What color is your baggage?” “We need each other right now more than ever before.” “I’ve been thinking about God being the collector.” “God, please don’t let the Jheri curl come back.” “Come near to me.” “He used the memories to be the building block for prayer, for intercession and…to remind God of his covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.” “What storyline do you want to be a part of, the healing or the hurting, the blessing or the curse?” “I need to know more about this amazing Jewish faith.” “We have these artifacts that show our shared history.” “The word ‘coincidence’ is not in the Hebrew language.” “We’re just a small snapshot, a microcosm, of what God is doing to heal a lot of the division that is going on right now.” “The providential hand of God is moving behind the scenes.” “God loves us more than we can fathom.” “No one is a mistake.”   Joshua 4:20-24 - https://www.sefaria.org/Joshua.4.20-24?lang=bi  1 Kings 18:31-32 - https://www.sefaria.org/I_Kings.18.31-32?lang=bi&with=all&lang2=en   Links: The Rabbi’s Husband homepage: The Rabbi's Husband Mark’s Twitter: Mark Gerson - The Rabbi's Husband (@markgerson) The Rabbi’s Husband Newsletter contact: daniel@therabbishusband.com Pastor Will Ford's Story in Words and Pictures

Newly elected Congressman, Ritchie Torres, is Mark’s very special guest this week. A product of public housing, public schools, and public hospitals in the Bronx, Ritchie went on to become the youngest elected official in New York City in 2013, and he now serves as the Congressman for New York's 15th Congressional District. The passage he has chosen to discuss with Mark today is Proverbs 18:24.   Their conversation begins with Ritchie reciting the selected passage and exploring the need for, and nature of, friendship which it conveys. From there, he and Mark discuss many aspects of friendship including its role in politics, Aristotle’s categories of friendship, Ritchie’s greatest mentor and friend, and choosing a good friend. They also look at social media’s impact upon friendships, the resulting generational differences, the polarization of politics these days, and living with magnanimity. Ritchie draws the episode to a close by sharing the reasons behind his great friendship with the Jewish people and, of course, the lessons about humankind which he has learned. Intelligent, thoughtful, and intellectually honest, Ritchie Torres demonstrates a courageous and profoundly decent approach to politics, clearly inspired by this instructive text’s lessons regarding acquiring devoted friends, and provides some sorely needed hope for the American people he has so proudly committed to serve.   Episode Highlights:    ·   Ritchie’s reading of the passage and its significance for him ·   The need for, and nature of, friendship ·   His experience with friendship in politics ·   Aristotle’s 3 categories of friendship ·   The impact that Ritchie’s mentor, Jimmy Vacca, had upon his life ·   Choosing a good friend ·   Judah and Hiram ·   Friendship and social media ·   Generational differences in friendships ·   The polarization of politics ·   Living by an ethic of magnanimity ·   His Congress orientation experience ·   Ritchie’s friendship with the Jewish people and his trips to Israel ·   The lessons about humankind which Ritchie has learned   Quotes:    “We all need friendship.”   “Prepare yourself emotionally to be bitterly disappointed, burned and betrayed.”   “You can often forge relationships in the places you would least expect.”   “The beauty of friendship is the voluntary nature.”   “The best kind of friendship that I’ve seen in my life are my mentors.”   “There were moments when I even though of committing suicide because I felt as if the world around me had collapsed, and…today I’m about to become a United States Congressman.”   “He believed in me more than I believed in myself at times.”   “Two people who shared the same soul.”   “Social media creates the illusion of friendship.”   “In the age of social media…we all manufacture a synthetic version of ourselves.”   “We never give up on any human being.”   “Friendship stems from the experience of recognizing divinity in others.”   “When I treat a mother, I’m treating God.”   “As a decent person, I have an obligation to speak out against hatred in every form, including anti-Semitism.”   “It’s important for all of us to open our minds and open our hearts to new experiences.”   “Friendship is the key to a great career in Congress.”     Proverbs 18:24 There are companions to keep one company, And there is a friend more devoted than a brother. https://www.sefaria.org/Proverbs.18.24?lang=bi&with=all&lang2=en     Links:   The Rabbi’s Husband homepage: The Rabbi's Husband   Mark’s Twitter: Mark Gerson - The Rabbi's Husband (@markgerson)   The Rabbi’s Husband Newsletter contact: daniel@therabbishusband.com

Yael Eckstein is Mark’s very special guest on the podcast today. As President and CEO of the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews (IFCJ), Yael heads the leading non-profit that is building bridges between Christians and Jews, and blessing Israel and the Jewish people around the world with humanitarian care and life-saving aid. A prolific author as well, Yael has been named one of "The World's 50 Most Influential Jews" by The Jerusalem Post in 2020. The passage she has chosen to discuss today, Ezekiel 11:17, is one that is most appropriate considering the important work to which she has dedicated herself. Yael starts things off by summarizing her selected passage and describing how it represents a culmination of all her favorite Bible verses. She and Mark then explore the two different levels of Judaism, the role that this passage and others play in her life, and Ezekiel’s prophecies and what it means to be able to live out these prophecies in today’s world. Yael also offers some moving reflections on those whom her organization helps bring to Israel, her experiences with those discovering their connection to Israel, and the unprecedented level of friendship that currently exists between the Jewish people and Christians. She and Mark conclude by warmly reflecting upon the lessons they have both learned from Yael’s father, Yechiel, who was also a great friend and mentor to Mark. Equal parts instructive, inspiring and heartwarming, today’s conversation truly brings the Torah to life as it examines the privilege, opportunity, and responsibility of living out these prophecies, and how Yael and the IFCJ undertake this ‘sacred work’ each and every day. Episode Highlights:  · Yael’s summary of the passage and how it represents a culmination of all her favorite Bible verses · The two different levels of Judaism · Ezekiel’s prophecies · The role this passage and others plays in Yael’s life · The privilege, opportunity, and responsibility of living out the prophecies today · The people that Yael’s organization and donors bring to Israel · Her experience with people discovering they belong to Israel · The Jewish friendship with Christians · The lessons Yael and Mark have learned from her father Quotes:  “In order to really get much out of these biblical teachings, you have to first have faith.” “We have this amazing ability to transform the mundane into holiness.” “This specific kind of ingathering and promise from God to be returned is really where the mundane and the spiritual kiss.” “This is a new light illuminating Zion.” “We are the culmination of prayers of 2000 years of the Jewish people coming home to Israel and it’s not something to be taken lightly.” “Ezekiel says it and here we are walking it.” “God, use me in whatever way I can to be a vessel to honor You and perform Your will.” “Until you’ve been in Israel, you can’t imagine where you’re going to. They’re really coming out of faith.” “Now, we’re living in these awesome times which are very connected again to the verse of Ezekiel 11:17, and Israel being reunited.” “For the first time in history, the Jewish people have friends…millions of Christians.” “There’s a lot more of us than we think.” “Be professional…never forget that this is a spiritual mission.” “This is a sacrificial gift…this is what generosity is.” “The modern state of Israel has what we might define as spirituality, as study. But it also has the IDF, and one cannot exist without the other.” “He was the smartest guy in the room.”   Ezekiel 11:17 - https://www.sefaria.org/Ezekiel.11.17?lang=bi&with=all&lang2=en  Links: The Rabbi’s Husband homepage: The Rabbi's Husband Mark’s Twitter: Mark Gerson - The Rabbi's Husand (@markgerson) The Rabbi’s Husband Newsletter contact: daniel@therabbishusband.com

Daron K. Roberts, the founding director of the Center for Sports Leadership and Innovation (CSLi) at the University of Texas, is Mark’s very special guest on the podcast today. A former NFL and college coach, Daron created CSLi in the fall of 2014 as the first university-based institute dedicated to developing leadership and character curricula for high school, collegiate, and professional athletes. He teaches his ‘A Gameplan for Winning at Life’ through the Centre, and he has also launched the #iLEAD Speakers Series where he has interviewed a number of famous elite athletes and leading thinkers. The passage Daron has chosen to discuss today is Genesis 1:26. He begins by sharing details of his TED Talk regarding fear before offering his summary of his selected passage and how it demonstrates God’s love of diversity and our partnership in living with Him. He and Mark also examine our shared call to create and liberate, and delve deeply into God’s use of the plural ‘us’ within this passage. Daron also explains his quarterly life reviews, his parenting traditions and wisdom, and finishes up by reviewing the lessons he has learned about humankind and the need for us all to act upon the problems so very prevalent in the world. You will undoubtedly sense the sheer amount of enthusiasm and mutual respect evident in this conversation as these two extremely well versed seekers of biblical truth uncover the lessons of this passage that resonate so powerfully in our lives today. Episode Highlights: · Daron’s TED Talk · His summary of the passage and its significance to him · God’s love of diversity · Our call to create and liberate · God using the plural ‘us’ in this passage · Living in partnership with God · Daron’s quarterly reviews of his life · His family’s ‘utility hours’ and ‘donut councils’ · Daron’s parenting wisdom · Lessons about humankind that Daron has learned · The need to take action on the world’s problems Quotes: “One of the things that I’ve dedicated my life to is trying to alleviate the shackles associated with fear.” “You should view life as a Chinese buffet.” “They want to get it right, because they think there is one thing they should be doing in life, and I think as much as we can, we have to dispel that myth.” “The creation of man was a collaboration. This was a mixed tape.” “It’s man that has had the problem with diversity. God’s been good with it from the beginning.” “This very intentional crafting by the Maker of not just a human life, but also of a future and a destiny that’s enclosed within that creation.” “There’s this co-presence right from inception.” “This is creation by committee.” “We’re in partnership in terms of my life.” “The less I prescribe, the happier they are.” “We’re constantly trying to integrate teachings from other religions into our own spirituality.” “What is more important than parenting?” “We heal faster than we think we will.” “You are who the tape says you are.” “What better year to remind us that the world’s problems deserve and require our attention than 2020?” Genesis 1:26 And God said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. They shall rule the fish of the sea, the birds of the sky, the cattle, the whole earth, and all the creeping things that creep on earth.” https://www.sefaria.org/Genesis.1.26?lang=bi&with=all&lang2=en Links: The Rabbi’s Husband homepage: The Rabbi's Husband Mark’s Twitter: Mark Gerson - The Rabbi's Husband (@markgerson) The Rabbi’s Husband Newsletter contact: daniel@therabbishusband.com

Mark is delighted to welcome Rebecca Soffer, Cofounder/CEO of Modern Loss, to the podcast this week. In addition to her work leading the Modern Loss community, Rebecca is also a co-author of Modern Loss: Candid Conversation About Grief. Beginners Welcome, and has another book coming out soon. She is a former producer for the Peabody Award–winning Colbert Report, a Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism alumna, and has spoken nationally on the themes of loss and resilience. The passage she has chosen to discuss today is Genesis 50:15-19. Rebecca begins the conversation by summarizing the passage and noting the beauty that can come out of grief and loss as demonstrated within it. With Mark, she explores the invention of forgiveness, the differing responses to grief, and the many perspectives on the notion of ‘dying well’. Infused throughout is Rebecca’s first hand knowledge of this universal yet intensely personal experience, and how she has emerged from these struggles with a blessing which she has shared with so many others. Rebecca concludes the episode by sharing the lessons she has learned about humankind and a profound statement of the potential for healing that grief can generate in our world. Bringing her personal experiences and trademark humor to bear here today, Rebecca reinforces the power of the Torah as she illuminates the message of this text, clearly demonstrating ‘what it can teach us about both the unexpected and also unifying qualities that grief can provide in our lives’. Episode Highlights:  · Rebecca’s summary of the passage and its significance for her · The beauty that can come out of grief and loss · The invention of forgiveness · The potential impacts of grief · Grief as both a singular and universal experience · The predictability of one’s response to grief · A comparison of grieving for an expected or an unexpected death · Rebecca’s experience with the sudden deaths of her parents · Her perspective on the notion of ‘dying well’ · The importance of having a medical directive and a will that are explicit about your wishes · The motivation found in remembering your mortality · Emerging from a struggle with a blessing · The lessons that Rebecca has learned about humankind Quotes: “When you’re thrown into a pit, something’s going wrong there.” “Grief is messy and it’s complicated.” “Beauty can come out of grief and loss and the complete mess of it. And when we’re in those initial throes of grief, it’s very hard to see that.” “It’s all coming from love and pain and confusion.” “I don’t think you can predict anything.” “I do agree that you can die well.” “Everybody should have a will…you can write it on a napkin.” “Be nice to each other or I will haunt you.” “To surprise people with ‘choose your own adventure’, to me, that’s just not a really kind thing to do.” “You never know what somebody else is going through.” “We are so much more similar than we think.” “Grief is excruciating…but it cracks us open…it can really heal the world.”   Genesis 50:15-19 - https://www.sefaria.org/Genesis.50.15-19?lang=bi&with=all&lang2=en   Links: The Rabbi’s Husband homepage: The Rabbi's Husband Mark’s Twitter: Mark Gerson - The Rabbi's Husband (@markgerson) The Rabbi’s Husband Newsletter contact: daniel@therabbishusband

Mark’s guest this week is the award-winning author and writer, Rabbi Danya Ruttenberg. Danya is the author of numerous books, including Surprised By God: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love Religion, and has written for The New York Times, The Atlantic, Salon, Time, and Newsweek, among many other publications. She currently serves as Scholar in Residence at the National Council of Jewish Women, and the passage she has chosen to discuss today is Exodus 32, the story of the golden calf. Danya begins by offering a very animated summary of the passage, its context, and its significance for her, which leads to a look at the different interpretations of Aaron’s actions within the passage. She and Mark then delve into the details of Moses’ involvement, the character of God in the Torah, and Danya’s perspective on the failure of adaptive leadership demonstrated in this text. They also examine the potential reasons for Aaron’s inability to ‘meet the moment’, the difference between leaders who give people what they want as opposed to what they need, and Danya concludes by sharing the lessons she has learned about humankind which relate directly back to the chosen passage. Episode Highlights:  · Danya’s summary of the passage, its context, and its significance for her · Interpretations of Aaron’s actions within the passage · One of Moses’ greatest moments · The character of God in Torah · The failure of adaptive leadership in both this passage and today’s world · Why Aaron didn’t ‘meet the moment’ · Leaders who give people what they want vs. what they need · The lessons about humankind that Danya has learned Quotes: “This is one of these great moments that gets cited as to how we understand what a prophet is.” “If You do that, blot me out of Your Torah.” “This is a picture of God that is constantly learning and growing and changing.” “I believe the pronoun for God is God, because God is not a ‘dude’.” “I think the golden calf story is a story about the failure of adaptive leadership.” “Major change always involves loss, and adaptive leadership is about helping people to bridge that gap.” “The substitute teacher got kids who had way bigger needs than he expected and he didn’t meet the moment.” “Your need is legitimate and let’s find a healthy way to help you express it.” “We need to find a new way of coping to meet this moment.” “It’s…potentially, you know, an adaptive leadership moment.” “People need to hear, ‘You’re not bad’.” “Clean up your mess!” “Doing the hard work then makes you free.” “I don’t think you can read ‘The Golden Calf’ without talking about trauma.” “It’s not somebody’s fault if they don’t have tools.”  ] Exodus 32 - https://www.sefaria.org/Exodus.32.1-35?lang=bi&with=all&lang2=en  Links: The Rabbi’s Husband homepage: The Rabbi's Husband Mark’s Twitter: Mark Gerson - The Rabbi's Husband (@markgerson) The Rabbi’s Husband Newsletter contact: daniel@therabbishusband.com

Mark is delighted to welcome Dr. Elana Stein Hain to the podcast today. In addition to her role as the Director of Faculty at the Shalom Hartman Institute of North America, Elana also co-leads the Created Equal research team, and is a widely well-regarded teacher and scholar. She has served for eight years as a clergy member on the Upper West Side of Manhattan, at both Lincoln Square Synagogue and the Jewish Center, and has taught at the Wagner School at NYU. The passage she has chosen to discuss with Mark today is Jeremiah 28. Elana begins by reviewing her doctoral dissertation on legal loopholes in rabbinic law, exploring examples of both the letter and spirit of the law, and then summarizing today’s passage and its significance for her. She and Mark discuss the differing models of leadership demonstrated within the passage and how these models are evident in America today, the complexities and demands of religion, the tendency among some to gravitate toward ‘cheap grace’, and the difference between the prophetic and the rabbinic. As with all episodes, our guest draws it to a close by sharing the lessons she has learned about humankind. From start to finish, the conversation here today is filled with fascinating ideas with very real implications in modern society, a function of the eternal guidance of this remarkable text. Episode Highlights: · Elana’s dissertation on legal loopholes in rabbinic law · Selling chametz before Passover · Elena’s summary of the passage and its significance for her · Leadership and the message of agency · Morality and politics in America today · The complexities and demands of religion · Gravitating toward ‘cheap grace’ · The difference between prophetic and rabbinic · The lessons about humankind that Elana has learned Quotes: “Some of my religious life was constructed around loopholes.” “You can actually sometimes use the letter of the law in order to fulfill the spirit of the law.” “You actually have to work on your relationship with God, you have to work on your relationship with people.” “Everybody is going to want to listen to the guy who gives the easy version.” “He actually wants the people to get it right.” “There’s going to be nothing easy about this.” “They turn it into politics when it’s really about morality, and that, I think, happens all the time.” “I always wonder, as an educator, whether we sell religion short by not talking about its complexities, by not talking about its demands.” “Are we created in God’s image or is God created in our image?” “We can justify anything.” “It’s really seeing something much bigger than oneself. We’re not the center of the story.” “So many people think that they’re the only one.” “You get to be there for a person and they know they’re not going to be judged.” “Your problem becomes your security blanket.” Jeremiah 28 - https://www.sefaria.org/Jeremiah.28.1-17?lang=bi Links: The Rabbi’s Husband homepage: The Rabbi's Husband Mark’s Twitter: Mark Gerson - The Rabbi's Husband (@markgerson) The Rabbi’s Husband Newsletter contact: daniel@therabbishusband.com

Mark welcomes two special guests from BBYO, one of the Jewish community’s premier platforms for reaching and inspiring Jewish teens, to the podcast today. Kelly Fagel is a 17-year-old High School Senior who serves as the 32nd International Sh'licha, Vice President of Jewish Enrichment and Community Service, with BBYO, and she is also the youngest guest to ever appear on the podcast. With her is BBYO's Chief Executive Officer since 2004, Matt Grossman, who is currently responsible for working with the organization's teen, professional, volunteer and philanthropic leaders, to set BBYO's vision and direction. The passage they have chosen to discuss is one that holds special meaning for them both, Leviticus 14:1-15:33. Matt and Kelly begin by discussing the special connection the passage holds for them, and then share a summary of the passage and a look at the notions of humility, pride, and confidence found within it. Much of the remainder of the podcast outlines the connection between the passage's message of how isolation impacts one’s ability to do good as well as how technology can prove both a blessing and a curse in these circumstances. Connecting this tale regarding leprosy to the current pandemic, our guests explore their own quarantine experiences as well as those within the BBYO community. The tremendous success that BBYO generates is also discussed before our guests conclude the episode with the lessons they have learned about humankind. This conversation, rooted as it is in the diseases of leprosy and COVID, nevertheless conveys a message of hope for the future, as we learn more about the power of BBYO and the incredible youth involved with it.  Quotes: “Generation apart but we’re studying the same sacred text and trying to derive new lessons from it.” “Even when we’re in our darkest moment…we’ll find the blessing.” “What is the purpose of life if not to give of oneself to others?” “The quarantine is taking away one’s ability to do good.”  “We’re addressing this by being there for each other.” “The greatest light is what’s motivating us.” “Our community needs this moment together right now.” “Shabbat became Shabbat for all of us.” “No one is immune from what’s going on in the world right now.” “Did we all collectively do something wrong in the world to deserve whatever’s happening in the world right now? “What’s helping to cure us is also tearing us apart.” “Learning how to engage with people even if you’re upset at them…still show them love in different ways.” “All of Jewish practice is about reminders.” “There’s definitely diversity in a lot of programming the communities do.” “A striking example of what young people can do when community’s the mission.” “People can chart their own path.” “People want to grow and they want to be a part of something bigger especially during the adolescent years.”   Leviticus 14:1 – 15:33 - https://www.sefaria.org/Leviticus.14.1-15.33?lang=bi&with=all&lang2=en Links: The Rabbi’s Husband homepage: The Rabbi's Husband Mark’s Twitter: Mark Gerson - The Rabbi's Husband (@markgerson) The Rabbi’s Husband Newsletter contact: daniel@therabbishusband.com

Boyd Matheson, opinion editor at the Deseret News, is Mark’s very special guest on today’s episode. For over 25 years, Boyd has worked as a consultant, executive strategist and performance coach with global companies, and he has also served as Chief of Staff for US Senator Mike Lee, and is the former President of the Sutherland Institute. The passage Boyd has chosen to discuss with Mark today is 1 Samuel 17:48.   Boyd begins their conversation by summarizing the passage, and sharing its significance for him which is based in its lesson about the nature of true confidence. He and Mark then delve into the biblical notion of humility, the crisis in confidence in today’s world, ‘light kindlers’, and servant leadership. Boyd also relates his perspective on the source of confidence, his love, and the love of the Mormon Church, for Judaism, Russell M. Nelson and his ability to transmit confidence, and the importance of remembering and learning. After a brief discussion about the power of little things in life, Boyd concludes the episode by sharing the lessons he has learned about humankind. The profound lessons offered in this short but powerful passage abound in today’s revealing and instructive conversation, holding great relevance for our world today.   Episode Highlights:    ·   Boyd’s summary of the passage and its significance for him ·   True confidence ·   The biblical idea of humility ·   The crisis in confidence throughout the world today ·   ‘Light kindlers’ and sharing the light ·   Servant leadership ·   Boyd’s perspective on the sources of confidence ·   His love of Judaism ·   The importance of remembering and learning ·   The Mormon Church and their love of the Jewish people ·   Russell M. Nelson and his ability to transmit confidence ·   The impact of the little things in life ·   The lessons about humankind that Boyd has learned   Quotes:   “The focus of this is what happens just before the battle…David ran to meet Goliath!”   “To me, confidence is never arrogance.”   “True confidence comes when you have respect for the challenge.”   “It comes from doing the hard work and heavy lifting that happens in our homes and it happens in our communities.”   “If you have to declare it, you’re not it.”   “There is power and strength and energy in that meekness, that humility.”   “False confidence is equally a sin.”   “We all should be thankful for those ‘light kindlers’.”   “A real leader lights all the others.”   “Every time I share, I have more.”   “It’s God’s version of a ‘triple dog dare’.”   “When you know God’s with you, that’s ultimate confidence.”   “No one gets a generation off.”   “Elephants don’t bite, but fleas do.”   “There is great good to be had in every person.”   “We’re all broken a little bit differently.”     1 Samuel 17:48 When the Philistine began to advance toward him again, David quickly ran up to the battle line to face the Philistine. https://www.sefaria.org/I_Samuel.17.48?lang=bi&with=all&lang2=en     Links:   The Rabbi’s Husband homepage: The Rabbi's Husband   Mark’s Twitter: Mark Gerson - The Rabbi's Husband (@markgerson)   The Rabbi’s Husband Newsletter contact: daniel@therabbishusband.com

Celebrated author and educator, Michal Lemberger, joins Mark for today’s podcast. Michal’s debut collection, After Abel and Other Stories, has garnered numerous awards, and her nonfiction and journalism have appeared in many publications, including Real Simple, Slate, Salon, and Tablet. She has taught the Hebrew Bible as Literature at UCLA and the American Jewish University, a course that Mark would dearly love to take. The passage Michal has chosen to discuss is one that no guest has previously chosen, Genesis 19:6-9. Michal begins the conversation by summarizing the passage, noting its horrifying nature and the lack of female commentary on the Torah and the corresponding lack of attention given to violence against women within it. From that point on, this episode becomes a class in the art of arguing the Torah, as she and Mark explore differing perspectives and readings on a number of its passages. The back and forth of interpretations regarding such topics as the treatment of women, judicial systems, competing claims for power, government actions, and the lessons to be found in the negative aspects of the Torah, make for truly exciting and thought provoking listening. Michal’s literary expertise is on full display as she discusses the nature of storytelling in ancient times, the role of the ‘trickster’, and the lack of female perspective, particularly in Dinah’s story. This conversation draws to a close with the lessons Michal has learned about humankind and her thoughts on the need to ensure respect for all on a systemic level. As you listen today, you will understand precisely why Mark would absolutely love to participate in Michal’s class as, together, they exchange an array of informed and often differing perspectives and opinions throughout this episode which Michal fittingly describes as a ‘good little argument about the Bible’. Quotes: “I find that to be a truly horrifying passage.” “What the Bible is sanctioning there is ‘You may rape them to death’.” “What it shows is what gets ignored when certain people are not given voices to comment on the Bible.” “Women were not really allowed to be the authorities on these texts, and so lines like that just got ignored.” “Can’t we say that the Jewish people coalesced around being horrified at violence against women in the rape of Dinah?” “Lot is like Fredo in ‘The Godfather’. He’s like a bumbling moron.” “There really is a hierarchy in the biblical world, and the biblical world is interested in rich men.” “I really think the Book of Ruth is a perfect book.” “When you change the lens through which you’re reading this material, you see a whole world that is invisible to those at the top of the hierarchy.” “My perspective is inherently political…it’s about who has power and who doesn’t.” “I think one of the greatest things that the Jewish tradition gives to us is the notion that our heroes are not perfect.” “Women and girls, daughters, were property and had no options, and maybe we can create a different world.” “When we look at the story from below…we see different things.” “When you trick the trickster, it really undoes the whole order of things, and the Bible is very concerned with order…right from the beginning.” “We never actually get Dinah’s perspective.” “People don’t like to give up their ideas.” “Everyone wants respect. We need to change the angle at which we look at things so that everyone gets respect.” “It is so easy for us to give people respect, and yet we don’t.” Genesis 19:6-9 - https://www.sefaria.org/Genesis.19.6-9?lang=bi&with=all&lang2=en Links: The Rabbi’s Husband homepage: The Rabbi's Husband Mark’s Twitter: Mark Gerson - The Rabbi's Husband (@markgerson) The Rabbi’s Husband Newsletter contact: daniel@therabbishusband.com

One of America’s most prominent thinkers and leaders, Abigail Pogrebin, joins Mark on the podcast today. Abigail has served as President of Central Synagogue, and her book, My Jewish Year: 18 Holidays; One Wondering Jew, was a finalist for the 2018 National Jewish Book Award. She is currently the host of the ‘Parsha in Progress’ podcast, one of Mark’s favorites, which features a regular Torah discussion between herself and Rabbi Dov Linzer , President of Yeshivat Chovevei Torah. The passage she has chosen to discuss today is Deuteronomy 15:7-10.   Abigail begins the conversation with her summary of the passage and its significance for her that is rooted in its call for us to respond to those in need. She and Mark explore its relevance, particularly during the current pandemic, and review the notion of duties of the heart, as well as the necessity of doing the right thing and the benefits that will consequently arise. As is tradition, our guest concludes the episode with the lessons she has learned about humankind which also happen to reflect back upon the theme of the chosen passage. Abigail and Mark’s dynamic conversation here today unearths the highly relevant guidance of ‘Moses’ parting gift’, and demonstrates just how powerful the wisdom of the Torah can and should be in all our lives.   Episode Highlights:    ·   Abigail’s summary of the passage and its significance for her ·   Responding to those in need ·   A call to us now ·   Duties of the heart ·   Doing the right thing and the benefits of it ·   The lessons about humankind that Abigail has learned   Quotes:   “When you see someone in trouble, you have to act.”   “You have to respond.”   “The Jews cry a lot.”   “Compassion is not necessarily an emotion, it’s a requirement.”   “Something is demanded of us.”   “This is pushing us to look beyond our Jewish kinsmen or kinsfolk.”   “I think right now, we underestimate the power of encouragement, we underestimate the power of comfort.”   “Both the material gifts and the blessings are required…you have to do them both.”   “People are so tired of thoughts and prayers.”   “Don’t think that this is something beyond you that doesn’t touch you.”   “You should do it because it’s the right thing to do.”   “You’re going to get richer if you give to the poor.”   “Pay it forward.”   “Everyone disappoints you.”   “Everyone gets their hurdle.”     Deuteronomy 15:7-10 If, however, there is a needy person among you, one of your kinsmen in any of your settlements in the land that the LORD your God is giving you, do not harden your heart and shut your hand against your needy kinsman. Rather, you must open your hand and lend him sufficient for whatever he needs. Beware lest you harbor the base thought, “The seventh year, the year of remission, is approaching,” so that you are mean to your needy kinsman and give him nothing. He will cry out to the LORD against you, and you will incur guilt. Give to him readily and have no regrets when you do so, for in return the LORD your God will bless you in all your efforts and in all your undertakings. https://www.sefaria.org/Deuteronomy.15.7-10?lang=bi&aliyot=0   Links:   The Rabbi’s Husband homepage: The Rabbi's Husband   Mark’s Twitter: Mark Gerson - The Rabbi's Husband (@markgerson)   The Rabbi’s Husband Newsletter contact: daniel@therabbishusband.com

Mark is delighted to welcome Dr. Michael Helfand to the podcast today. Michael is the Vice Dean for Faculty and Research at the Caruso School of Law, Pepperdine University, and an expert on religious law and religious liberty with a particular emphasis on clashes between religion and commerce. He is a frequent author and lecturer, focusing on how U.S. law treats religious law, custom and practice, and he also serves as both an arbitrator and consultant for the Beth Din of America. The passage he has chosen to discuss with Mark today is actually taken from the Talmud. Sotah 49b:11-14 - https://www.sefaria.org/Sotah.49b.11-14?lang=bi  Links: The Rabbi’s Husband homepage: The Rabbi's Husband Mark’s Twitter: Mark Gerson - The Rabbi's Husband (@markgerson) The Rabbi’s Husband Newsletter contact: daniel@therabbishusband.com

Rabbi Marc Schneier, Founder of The Hampton Synagogue, one of the most dynamic synagogues in the United States, is Mark’s very special guest this week. Rabbi Schneier is also the founder of the Foundation for Ethnic Understanding, whose mission began as rebuilding the historic Black-Jewish alliance in the United States, and, for nearly the past 15 years, has grown to also build Muslim-Jewish relations globally. The passage he has chosen to discuss today is Genesis 21:9-20. Rabbi Schneier begins the conversation by sharing his summary of the passage and its context, comparing the treatment of Isaac and Ishmael by the Qur’an and the Torah, and looking at differing definitions of ‘a great nation’. He and Mark then delve into the messages of gratitude and opening our eyes to our blessings when seeking salvation that are found in the passage, highlighting how they are pertinent to everyday life and in the counseling which he provides. The episode concludes with the lessons about humankind that the Rabbi has learned, the need for leadership, empathy and understanding in our world, and some exciting breaking news regarding his synagogue and JBS. As you will undoubtedly agree, this is both an ‘extraordinary and very difficult passage’ providing a wealth of wisdom and advice for our modern times through the ‘powerful, powerful lessons’ it offers us all, and which are revealed here today. Episode Highlights: · Rabbi Schneier’s summary of the passage and its context · Comparing the Qur’an and the Torah’s treatment of Isaac and Ishmael · Differing definitions of a great nation · How Ishmael was saved in the desert · Overlooking the obvious · The resonance between this passage and the story of Balaam · The message of this passage for everyday, especially during the pandemic, and in the counseling which the Rabbi provides · The definition of Judah · Looking in front of you, behind you, and inside of you · The lessons that Rabbi Schneier has learned about humankind · The need for leadership, empathy, and understanding · Breaking news about the Hampton Synagogue and the Jewish Broadcasting Service (JBS) Quotes: “Abraham is asked to sacrifice both his sons.” “There’s no creature whom God does not test.” “Abraham is really the embodiment of being tested.” “Often, all we have to do is open our eyes and the source of our salvation is right in front of us.” “This has been one of the most powerful, powerful lessons in the Torah, in the Bible.” “Gratitude exists before I do.” “We thank before we think.” “The very essence of being Jew means to give thanks.” “In life, we have to learn how to maximize our blessings, and not to exaggerate our troubles.” “You don’t need any divine intervention.” “It’s easy to overlook the obvious.” “Let me help you open your eyes and see the opportunities and see the blessings and maybe your salvation is right there.” “People need to be led. People need to be challenged. People need inspiration. They need to be galvanized.” “Where there is hope, nothing is impossible.” “It’s all about balance.” “When it comes to synagogues, there’s no business like shul business.” Genesis 21:9-20 - https://www.sefaria.org/Genesis.21.9-20?lang=bi&aliyot=0 Links: The Rabbi’s Husband homepage: The Rabbi's Husband Mark’s Twitter: Mark Gerson - The Rabbi's Husband (@markgerson) The Rabbi’s Husband Newsletter contact: daniel@therabbishusband.com

Mark is absolutely delighted to welcome Rabbi Sergio Bergman to the podcast today. Currently the President of the World Union for Progressive Judaism, Rabbi Bergman oversees 1,275 synagogues with 1.8 million members in more than 50 countries. He is an Argentinian-born pharmacist, politician, social activist, and community leader who is well known for many accomplishments, including his innovative and inspirational socio-educational and religious projects. The passage he has chosen to discuss today is Genesis 1:1-5. Rabbi Bergman begins by sharing his summary of the passage, his admiration for Martin Buber’s perspective on it, and the notion of the first light of Creation. He and Mark then discuss the contrast between physical and spiritual light, and the connection between light and so many sacred moments of Jewish life, particularly Hanukkah. The Rabbi concludes the episode with the lessons he has learned about humankind and his call to respect and take care of each other and of nature as well. You will undoubtedly be swept up in the passion and enthusiasm which Rabbi Bergman brings to today’s examination of the light of God and its infusion into our world and everyday lives, demonstrating once more the timeless relevance and guidance inherent in the Torah. Episode Highlights: · Rabbi Bergman’s summary of the passage and its significance for him · Martin Buber · The first light · Physical and spiritual light · The circle of light · The universal challenge · The connection between this passage and Hanukkah · Respecting and taking care of nature · The lessons about humankind that Rabbi Bergman has learned · Noah’s wife’s sacred work Quotes: “We have the beginning of the beginning of humankind.” “This is not a history book.” “The Torah tries to teach us the meaning of our lives.” “What is the light of the first day?” “I think that this light is God’s presence.” “I will put Myself in the physical world.” “Discover the difference between physical and spiritual.” “Where is the hidden light where we can bring more light to the world?” “This is the story of humankind.” “The light is the spirit.” “In your small table, with your close friends and family, you recreate the miracle of the light.” “Life is the light of God.” “We need to be there with our brothers.” “In every generation, in every time, the flood is coming.” “We need to rebuild balance inside and outside.” “Peace is in us.” “Everyday we have a miracle to celebrate.” Genesis 1:1-5 When God began to create heaven and earth— the earth being unformed and void, with darkness over the surface of the deep and a wind from God sweeping over the water— God said, “Let there be light”; and there was light. God saw that the light was good, and God separated the light from the darkness. God called the light Day, and the darkness He called Night. And there was evening and there was morning, a first day. https://www.sefaria.org/Genesis.1.1-5?lang=bi&aliyot=0 Links: The Rabbi’s Husband homepage: The Rabbi's Husband Mark’s Twitter: Mark Gerson - The Rabbi's Husband (@markgerson) The Rabbi’s Husband Newsletter contact: daniel@therabbishusband.com Notes go here

Mark’s delight is palpable as he welcomes Rabbi Rick Jacobs to the podcast today. As President of the Union for Reform Judaism, Rabbi Jacobs currently leads the largest and most diverse Jewish movement in North America. He is a longtime and devoted creative change agent who has served as Rabbi of the Brooklyn Heights Synagogue, where he created the first homeless shelter in a New York City synagogue, before spending 20 years as a visionary spiritual leader at Westchester Reform Temple in Scarsdale, New York. The passage he has chosen to discuss today is Isaiah 58:1-8. Rabbi Jacobs begins the conversation by summarizing the passage and sharing its significance for him, particularly in its commentary upon moving beyond the foundation of ritual and study toward acting for social justice. He and Mark engage in an extensive exploration of other related Torah passages, the call to be righteously indignant for justice, and experiencing empathy for others. They also discuss the examples set by social justice activists throughout history, the story behind this passage’s placement within Yom Kippur, as well as the Rabbi’s perspective on important Jewish holidays and the global Jewish people. He draws the episode to a close with a particularly powerful example of one of the lessons he has learned about humankind. Rest assured, you will not only be educated by Rabbi Jacobs today, but you will be inspired and moved to action through his wisdom, his passion, and, above all, his integrity, in today’s utterly fascinating discussion. Episode Highlights: · Rabbi Jacobs’ summary of the passage and its significance for him · The powerful grounding in ritual and study · The requirement of living ethically rigorous, disciplined, impactful lives · Other passages in the Torah that echo the message of today’s passage · Being righteously indignant for the sake of justice · Experiencing empathy for others · What it means to be a person of faith · Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel, Dr. Martin Luther King, and Rabbi Maurice Eisendrath · The story behind the placement of this passage as part of Yom Kippur · The Rabbi’s perspective on the two most important Jewish holidays · Rabbi David Hartman and how he inspired Rabbi Jacobs · Rabbi Jacob’s vision of a global Jewish people · The lessons that he has learned about humankind  Quotes: “The section is very agitational.” “It literally is a counterbalance to the most intense ritual moment in the Jewish calendar.” “It’s a corrective to a Judaism that would be only obsessed with ritual details.” “I’m literally in love with this passage.” “At our most intense ritual, we read a passage that challenges the conventional notion of ritual.” “Commitment to social justice, to righting the wrongs of society, are fundamental to what it means to be a person of Jewish commitment and faith.” “Religious life is built on the details.” “This is not about checking the box.” “This is a time when everybody’s stomachs are growling.” “Use the experience of this Holy Day to fuel a greater sensitivity and awareness…the experience is supposed to get inside not only our heads, but our hearts.” “It was as if my feet were praying.” “The Torah isn’t just for our sanctuary, for our ritual moment. It’s a beacon of light in the world.” “I want them to take on something and really do it.” “For the Jewish tradition, social justice isn’t ‘community service’.” “We’ve got to stretch ourselves.” “There is within each of us a common bond to the people who are the most different.” “We find a bedrock upon which we can build a world of hope and possibility.” Isaiah 58;1-8- https://www.sefaria.org/Isaiah.58.1-8?lang=bi&with=all&lang2=en  Links: The Rabbi’s Husband homepage: The Rabbi's Husband Mark’s Twitter: Mark Gerson - The Rabbi's Husband (@markgerson) The Rabbi’s Husband Newsletter contact: daniel@therabbishusband.com

Mark is delighted to welcome his good friend and fellow cigar aficionado, Rabbi Steven Weil, to the podcast this week. Currently the National Director and CEO of Friends of the Israel Defense Forces (FIDF), Rabbi Weil previously held the position of Senior Managing Director of the Orthodox Union (OU) for 11 years, and his Torah commentary - some of the most incisive Mark has heard – can still be found on some of their fairly obscure websites. The passage he has chosen to discuss with Mark is Genesis 23. They begin by summarizing the passage and go on to explore its significance for the Rabbi based on a large part in Rabbi Soloveitchik’s reading of it, including the notion of Abraham being both an alien/stranger and an inhabitant. They also look at the respect the Hittites have for Abraham, his rejection of Ephron’s generous offer, the dialectical existence of the Jew, and the tension that this existence can, at times, generate. God’s eulogy of Sarah and some examples of people living their life like her are also examined before Rabbi Weil concludes the episode with the lessons he has learned about mankind and the Jewish concept of learning. Much like the Rabbi, you will undoubtedly find yourself questioning your own assumptions as your brain is stretched during today’s enlightening and inspiring conversation between these two great friends. Episode Highlights: · Their summary of the passage and its significance for Rabbi Weil · The Hittites’ respect for Abraham · Abraham as both alien and inhabitant · His desire for a place that he owns and controls completely · Rabbi Soloveitchik’s reading of this text · Abraham’s rejection of Ephron’s free offer · The dialectical existence of the Jewish people · Rabbi Weil’s examples of the tensions arising from this existence · God’s eulogy of Sarah · The examples of Bernie Lander and Dr. Ruth · The lessons Rabbi Weil has learned about humankind · The Jewish concept of learning  Quotes: “Even though they’re polytheists, they recognize this man, the Prince of God.” “They never understood him when he said ‘ger ve-toshav’ – ‘I’m a stranger and I’m an inhabitant’.” “What, are you better than us?” “The Jew leads, so to speak, a dialectical existence.” “Probably the most loyal Americans that I’ve ever met are survivors.” “We, as Jews, are much more responsible for the benefit and the welfare of this country.” “You can’t give someone an answer when they’re not listening.” “Always retain the qualities of that stage in your life as you pass through it.” “If you can combine energy and enthusiasm with wisdom, that’s how you become Sarah.” “The ideas I cannot take credit for.” “What appears on the surface is 99% of the time not the case.” “The older we get, the more rich our learning is because it builds upon our previous experiences.”   Genesis 23 - https://www.sefaria.org/Genesis.23.1-20?lang=bi&aliyot=0  Links: The Rabbi’s Husband homepage: The Rabbi's Husband Mark’s Twitter: Mark Gerson - The Rabbi's Husband (@markgerson) The Rabbi’s Husband Newsletter contact: daniel@therabbishusband.com

Jon Steinberg, one of Mark’s favorite cigar smoking companions, is the very special guest on this week’s episode. Currently the president of Altice News and Advertising, Jon is also the founder of Cheddar, the leading Post Cable Networks company. Previously, he had been the Chief Executive Officer of DailyMail.com North America, and the President and Chief Operating Officer at BuzzFeed, and is widely considered one of the world’s great media entrepreneurs. Jon has chosen a rabbinical commentary by Rebbe Maharash, L’chatchila Ariber, to discuss with Mark today. He begins the conversation by sharing the selected text, its importance for him and how he was introduced to it initially. He and Mark then embark on an extensive analysis of the differing possible readings of this text, some examples of it from both the Bible and in Jon’s work, as well as the importance of learning through failure, walking in God’s ways, and being unique in business. Jon also shares his thoughts on the message this text provides in the time of COVID, and he concludes the discussion with the lessons he has learned about humankind. Fittingly, Mark and Jon dedicate this episode to Rabbi Moshe Scheiner of Palm Beach Synagogue, the man who first introduced Jon to this instructive text, and whose wisdom and understanding continues to inspire them, as is clearly demonstrated here today. Episode Highlights:  ·   Jon’s summary of the commentary and its importance for him ·   How he found it ·   Some differing readings of it ·   Some practical examples of this commentary ·   Learning through failure ·   Walking in God’s ways ·   This text’s message in the context of COVID ·   Biblical examples of leaping over obstacles ·   Jon’s use of Torah wisdom in his businesses ·   Being unique in business ·   The lessons that Jon has learned about humankind    Quotes:   “There are many different readings you could have into this.”   “Be bold, have conviction, have energy.”   “Don’t go low in the first place. Go high in the first place.”   “Just do it.”   “Take the creative, bold approach in the first place.”   “The conventional wisdom is usually right, and seldom profitable.”   “If you’re not doing something which is long odds, there really is no chance of you building anything that’s significant or different or unique.”   “Never trouble trouble until trouble troubles you.”   “Anxiety and worry is really wasted energy.”   “I’m a huge worrier.”   “Judaism tells us to keep moving along, to keep moving forward…you can’t do good deeds if you’re not in motion.”   “Jumping over is a way more aggressive and bold forward momentum than crawling like a baby under.”   “You only learn by going.”   “Walk, leap, and go.”   “Just copying doesn’t work.”   “My playbook is totally unique stuff.”   “No person leads an unencumbered life.”   L’chatchila Ariber The world says that if you cannot crawl under an obstacle, try to leap over it. However, I say, leap over it in the first place! https://www.chabad.org/library/article_cdo/aid/2718066/jewish/What-Does-Lchatchila-Ariber-Mean.htm     Links:   The Rabbi’s Husband homepage: The Rabbi's Husband   Mark’s Twitter: Mark Gerson - The Rabbi's Husband (@markgerson)   The Rabbi’s Husband Newsletter contact: mailto:daniel@therabbishusband.com

Mark is delighted to welcome Rabbi Susan Silverman to the podcast today. Rabbi Silverman is the founder of KAMOCHA: A Jewish Response to Refugees, is on the Board of Directors of Women of the Wall, and the International Council of The New Israel Fund. She is also the Founding Director of Second Nurture: Every Child Deserves a Family – And a Community, an organization dedicated to providing a path to adoption for “waiting” children by bringing together multiple adults from within the same community who are interested in foster-adoption, creating an adoption cohort, and offering multilayered support throughout the adoption process. The passage she has chosen to discuss is Genesis 1:1-8. Rabbi Silverman’s dual interpretation of the passage sets off a wide ranging discussion between herself and Mark regarding such topics as the two beginnings, the New Years of the Torah, being in relationship with God and others, and the eternal challenge of balancing order and freedom. As the conversation turns to the theme of brokenness, the Rabbi shares her perspective on how this passage, and really the very nature of the Torah, relate to the lives of those children with whom she works through foster care and adoption. She finishes the episode with the lessons she has learned about humankind, particularly about the need for relationship which is so prevalent throughout her vocation of ‘being engaged in the sacred process of helping children from troubled backgrounds to begin again’ - a noble example of this passage brought to life each and every day. Episode Highlights: · Rabbi Silverman’s summary of the passage and its interest for her · Her explanation of the two beginnings · How the passage relates to Rabbi Silverman’s work in foster care and adoption · The New Years in the Jewish calendar · Being in relationship with God and others · The eternal challenge of balancing order and freedom · Brokenness inherent in Creation itself · How foster children relate to this passage practically · Foster children naming their story · The importance of making room for foster children to retell their stories of trauma · The lessons that Rabbi Silverman has learned about humankind . Genesis 1:1-8 Bereshit When God began to create heaven and earth— the earth being unformed and void, with darkness over the surface of the deep and a wind from God sweeping over the water— God said, “Let there be light”; and there was light. God saw that the light was good, and God separated the light from the darkness. God called the light Day, and the darkness He called Night. And there was evening and there was morning, a first day. God said, “Let there be an expanse in the midst of the water, that it may separate water from water.” God made the expanse, and it separated the water which was below the expanse from the water which was above the expanse. And it was so. God called the expanse Sky. And there was evening and there was morning, a second day. https://www.sefaria.org/Genesis.1.1?lang=en&with=all&lang2=en Links: The Rabbi’s Husband homepage: The Rabbi's Husband Mark’s Twitter: Mark Gerson - The Rabbi's Husband (@markgerson) The Rabbi’s Husband Newsletter contact: mailto:daniel@therabbishusband.com

Mark is delighted to welcome Jonathan Goldstein to today’s episode. Jonathan is the Chief Executive and Founder of the private investment firm, ](http://www.cainint.com/)[Cain International, the Chairman of the Jewish Leadership Council, the umbrella body of British Jewry’s central organizations and charities, as well as the Chair of the Chief Rabbinate Trust. He has also served as Vice Chair of Jewish Care and Chair of Governors of Kerem School in Hampstead Garden Suburb, as Chair of Partnerships for Jewish Schools, and, with his wife, he is an inaugural Honorary President of Camp Simcha, a charity working to improve the quality of life of children suffering from life threatening illnesses. The passage he has chosen to discuss with Mark is Genesis 18. In this wide-ranging conversation, Jonathan begins by offering his summary of the passage and then he and Mark engage in an extensive analysis of both this passage and others that share similarities with it. In so doing, they touch upon a number of topics such as divine experiences, determining the impact we can have upon the world and others, the primacy of helping others over prayer, and ensuring the continuity of the Jewish people. Jonathan also shares his perspective on the most important Jewish holidays, his advice for parents, his stand against Jeremy Corbyn, and the experience of British Jews. He concludes the episode with his thoughts on our biggest legacy, small acts of kindness, and the lessons about humankind which he has learned. So much of what is shared today by these two enthusiastic thinkers can be summed up in one of Jonathan’s final statements, “Stand up, be counted as a Jew, make your difference, engage with your heritage” – valuable advice and guidance inspired by this eternally relevant test. Episode Highlights: · His summary of the passage and its meaning for him · The purpose of a divine experience · Determining what impact we can make on the world and others · Committing to Judaism · The primacy of helping others over prayer · Ensuring the continuity of the Jewish people · Jonathan’s perspective on the most important Jewish holidays · Jonathan’s advice for parents · His stand against Jeremy Corbyn · Comparing the experiences of American Jews and British Jews · Our biggest legacy · Small acts of kindness · The lessons about humankind that Jonathan has learned Quotes: “It talks about a man of action. It talks about a man who understands his place in the world, and that he’s here to do something.” “Okay God, if You could just hold on a minute, I’ve got some business to attend to. I’ve got some people that I need to look after.” “Say a little, and do a lot.” “There are many ways to approach God…you can get close to God and not be a Jew.” “It is a miracle that we, as a Jewish people, have continued.” “These are words and text that have huge relevance in our day-to-day lives.” “Sometimes we forget our own heritage.” “There are times in your life when you need to make a stand.” “We live in a generation that’s been blessed.” “We, as Jews, have never had it better.” “You have to do the joyful things first.” “It’s what we do in our own homes that’s our biggest legacy.” “Our walls know us best, don’t they?” “Have empathy for your fellow man or woman.” “Keep yourself grounded.” Genesis 18 - https://www.sefaria.org/Genesis.18.1?lang=en&with=all&lang2=en Links: The Rabbi’s Husband homepage: The Rabbi's Husband Mark’s Twitter: Mark Gerson - The Rabbi's Husband (@markgerson) The Rabbi’s Husband Newsletter contact: mailto:daniel@therabbishusband.com

Mark is delighted to welcome Apostle Dwayne Hardin to the podcast this week. Apostle Hardin is the founder and lead pastor of The Embassy Church and The Millennium Masters Inc, a global organization designed to effectively co-join the workings of the secular and sacred. He is also a public speaker, author, and musician, as well as a recipient of the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award, which was given to him by President Barack Obama. The passages he has chosen to discuss today are Psalms 119:89 and Joshua 1:6-9. Apostle Hardin summarizes both of these passages and shares their deep significance for him demonstrated through his remarkable commitment to both learn about them and bring them to life everyday. He and Mark explore such topics as God’s settled speech, how to connect to God, the folly of creating God in our image, and the purpose behind writing out the Torah. Apostle Hardin also relates his ‘Moses-Joshua moment’, his perspective on the ‘curse of the Law’, how he developed such a love for all things Jewish, and the role that slavery played in the celebration of the Sabbath. He concludes the episode with the lessons that he has learned about humankind and teaching people to think. Woven throughout this magnificent conversation is Apostle Hardin’s passion for scripture and the power of engaging in discussions with others about it, which he feels leads to greater understanding for all. As you will soon discover, the truth of this noble belief is resoundingly evident during today’s fascinating and inspiring episode. Episode Highlights: · Apostle Hardin’s summaries of the passages and their significance for him · His experience of writing out the Torah and the Psalms · God’s settled speech · Letting go of opinion, bias, and paradigm to connect with God · Creating God in our image · The purpose behind writing out the Torah · Apostle Hardin’s ‘Moses-Joshua moment’ · ‘The curse of the Law’ · The development of his love of the Jewish people, teachings, and State · How slavery changed the day of the Sabbath celebration · Shabbat dinner · The lessons about humankind that Apostle Hardin has learned · Teaching people to think  Quotes: “The one kind of changed my life one day.” “With my hand I noticed it get to my heart more.” “The word ‘settled’ just got to me.” “There are no insignificant details in the Bible.” “Every time God speaks, it’s a settled speech.” “I’ll be Me through you, if you’ll allow Me.” “Stay out of opinion, bias, and paradigm when it comes to God’s Word.” “I can’t corner the market on God’s mind.” “The scripture breaths - it’s alive.” “It’s now time for you to arise. Just as I was with him, I will be with you.” “It really produces courage and strength.” “I am anxious to see the Torah come alive.” “When we decide we want to follow God and follow the Torah, the Law becomes very real to us.” “Everything about my upbringing is Jewish.” “It’s hard for you to separate Christian Black people from Jewish anything.” “When I grew up, we were in Church all day.” “That Sunday was spent deep in the scriptures.” “There’s more with you than there are against you.” “Once you free people to think…you’ll be surprised at the phenomenal people that are around you.” “If we had more thinkers, people would be more responsible, accountable, and powerful.”   Psalms 119:89 - https://www.sefaria.org/Psalms.119.89?lang=en  Joshua 1:6-9 - https://www.sefaria.org/Joshua.1.6-9?lang=en  Links: The Rabbi’s Husband homepage: The Rabbi's Husband Mark’s Twitter: Mark Gerson - The Rabbi's Husband (@markgerson) The Rabbi’s Husband Newsletter contact: mailto:daniel@therabbishusband.com

Dr. Yehuda Kurtzer, President of the Shalom Hartman Institute of North America, is Mark’s very special guest on the podcast this week. Yehuda is a leading thinker and author on the meaning of Israel to American Jews, on Jewish history and Jewish memory, and on questions of leadership and change in American Jewish life. He has also served as faculty member at Brandeis University, where he held the inaugural Chair in Jewish Communal Innovation. The chapter he has chosen to discuss with Mark is Jonah 4. Yehuda begins by summarizing the first three chapters of Jonah in order to set the scene for today’s passage where he and Mark share a variety of interpretations and readings of the text surrounding Jonah’s actions, attitude, and interaction with God. Essentially demonstrating that Jonah is more concerned with his own role rather than God’s bigger plan for humanity, which he seems unwilling and unable to fathom, Mark and Yehuda come to the agreement that God loves a good argument, something Jonah fails to provide, choosing rather to simply ‘check out’. Yehuda finishes by sharing the lessons he learned about humankind, and they lead to a further discussion about the split in voting habits among the Jewish people and how that relates to the whole point of a book such as Jonah’s. Today’s discussion is one in which both parties enlighten the other with variations on themes and readings, bringing the very essence of the Torah to life through questioning and challenging, precisely, as Yehuda states, ‘…what studying the Torah is supposed to get us to do’.  Quotes: “Word for word, the greatest book ever written, I believe, is the book of Jonah.” “I think it’s prophetic sabotage.” “He’s not the Genesis 18 Abraham.” “The whole thing is a satire of the prophets and the works of the prophets.” “Jonah is a narcissist.” “Prophets are social outcasts.” “People who are truth tellers are oftentimes insufferable.” “In some deep sense, sitting in the vulnerability of nature and observing the world is the normal condition in which we see how the world unfolds.” “God may have a larger business plan than can be adjudicated morally by, like, what happens to you at any given moment.” “He is way too focused on his own piece of the story than he is about his job in the world which is to understand that God’s plan is more transcendent than he’s capable of seeing.” “Picking and choosing – I need God to operate a particular way.” “You can comply or you can argue, but you can’t run away.” “I come away just haunted by the rhetorical question at the end and challenged by it, and I think that’s what studying the Torah is supposed to get us to do.” “More people are carrying around more stuff in baggage than we think about them.” “Things seem harder today for many Jews than they may have earlier.” “Human beings are still searching for community, purpose, and meaning.” “I think that the profound partisanship in our Jewish community is a witness to ‘homeness’.” “We’ve become too locked into convenient and neat stories about our identity and our politics as opposed to being enthralled by the paradoxes.”   Jonah 4 - https://www.sefaria.org/Jonah.4.1-11?lang=en&with=all&lang2=en  Links: The Rabbi’s Husband homepage:  The Rabbi's Husband Mark’s Twitter:  Mark Gerson - The Rabbi's Husband (@markgerson) The Rabbi’s Husband Newsletter contact: mailto:daniel@therabbishusband.com

Mark is delighted to welcome Rabbi Joshua Davidson to the podcast today. A graduate of Princeton, and, like Mark’s wife, a graduate of Hebrew Union College as well, Rabbi Davidson is currently the Senior Rabbi of Congregation Emanu-El of the City of New York, having previously served as senior rabbi of Temple Beth El of Northern Westchester in Chappaqua, New York. He is involved in numerous social justice issues and organizations, and, in 2009, was honored for his interfaith efforts by the Westchester Jewish Council and the AJC. On today’s episode, Rabbi Davidson has chosen to discuss Genesis 18 and Genesis 22 and the relationship between them. Throughout the episode, the Rabbi offers both his summary of these passages as well as his perspective on their various lessons and interpretations. Touching upon such notions as God’s love of a good argument, what God and Abraham teach each other, and the differences between the public and private aspects of both righteousness and the lives of public figures, he and Mark highlight the dual elements of Abraham’s personality and what we can learn from it. As you listen in, you will quickly discover that the analysis of these two seminal passages of the Torah here today, by these two insightful seekers of biblical truth, truly brings to life ‘both their depth and their relevance to our present struggles, challenges, and opportunities’. Episode Highlights: · Rabbi Davidson’s summary of the passages, how they relate, and their significance for him · God’s love of a good argument · Abraham stepping out of comfort to argue with God · What God and Abraham are teaching each other · Privately righteous and publically righteous people · Public figures and their private lives · Some different interpretations of the Akedah · The multiple potential lessons from it · The dual elements of Abraham’s personality · The lessons that Rabbi Davidson has learned about humankind  Quotes: “Even though Abraham is a junior partner in the project of teaching humanity, Abraham is still a partner.”  “This is the greatest act of hutzpah in human history.” “Of course, there were 10 righteous people.” “The story of Sodom and Gomorrah is our admonishment against this sense that what’s happening within our city, within our country, doesn’t have anything to do with us.” “The difference in his behaviors in the two passages is extraordinary.” “No passage in the Bible’s been studied more than this one…it’s a terrifying passage.” “You’ve got to take care of your own family, too.” “We ground our leadership in our relationships with those closest to us.” “Abraham may, in fact, be testing God.” “I think the writers of the Bible placed it in the Torah as a polemic against child sacrifice.” “The Bible has always been countercultural.” “We project onto God what we believe to be right and what we believe to be wrong.” “There are fundamentalists who use religious tradition to commit heinous crimes.” “The private mess and the public hero, and the complicated father we have.” “Our public figures and our patriarchs – these are not perfect people.” “The Bible was either written by God or an anti-Semite because no people would write their own history this way.” “People will always try to do the right thing.” “They don’t know that they’ve got that strength until they find themselves in that position.”   Genesis 18 - https://www.sefaria.org/Genesis.18.1-33?lang=en&with=all&lang2=en  Genesis 22 - https://www.sefaria.org/Genesis.22.1-24?lang=en&with=all&lang2=en  Links: The Rabbi’s Husband homepage:  http://therabbishusband.com/ Mark’s Twitter:  https://twitter.com/markgerson?lang=en The Rabbi’s Husband Newsletter contact: daniel@therabbishusband.com

Solomon Choi, Founder and CEO of 16 Handles, NYC’s largest frozen dessert franchise, is Mark’s guest on the podcast today. Solomon has worked in Food and Beverage and Foodservice management for more than 15 years as an executive, advisor, and investor, and has served as an Advisory Board member for Rescuing Leftover Cuisine- a non-profit dedicated to eliminating food waste and hunger. If you are in the Tri-State area or Boca Raton, Mark highly recommends visiting your local 16 Handles - you and your kids will love it. The passage Solomon has chosen to discuss today is Leviticus 25. He starts off by sharing how he chose this passage, along with how he chose his own ‘American name’, as well as the names of his children. He and Mark continue by summarizing the passage and looking at its lessons for doing business, being a good steward, and considering 2020 as a year of Jubilee. They also bring this passage into the present day with its parallels to Solomon’s arrival in New York and the growth of his business, what God imparted to him through that process, and the economic realities and attitudes of landlords during the pandemic. Highlighted throughout is this passage’s call to treat others fairly, equitably and with dignity, especially in business, and how Solomon endeavors to bring that to life as a good steward. The episode concludes with the lessons about humankind that Solomon has learned and the importance and power of meeting people in person. Solomon’s tale of starting with very little, achieving very much, and doing so in a manner in alignment with biblical values, is one that you will not soon forget, providing yet another brilliant example of how this awesome text can ‘illuminate our lives and be our guide’.  Quotes: “Somehow I named myself Solomon.” “To really have faith that even if you stopped working, you will have all that you need, that God will provide.” “In the year of Jubilee, the 50th year, any debt that was accumulated would be forgiven.” “Do not take advantage of each other.” “God is getting deep into the intricacies of commercial and contract law.” “How you conduct yourself in business is of divine importance.” “In God’s humor, this year could be looked upon as a year of Jubilee.” “This year was very much like stay home, be with family, spend time with family, spend time reflecting on Me, obey Me, and I am going to take care of your needs.” “Through faith, they are surviving.” “We shall proclaim freedom throughout the land for all of its inhabitants.” “We’ve all fallen on hard times.” “I’ve seen, kind of, more of a humanitarian approach to commercial real estate more than ever.” “They’re doing the opposite of, kind of, what this passage is talking about…they’re taking advantage of the situation…they’re not being good stewards.” “We grew 16 Handles organically.” “I just need to become the largest slice within that pie.” “That was almost like my journey going into this land of giants.” “This is exactly where I need to be.” “All of my franchisees initially were customers.” “Deep down inside, man is seeking reconciliation.” “When we are seeing and speaking to another person who is also created in God’s image, I think the presence of God is there.”   Leviticus 25 - https://www.sefaria.org/Leviticus.25.1-55?lang=en&with=all&lang2=en  Links: The Rabbi’s Husband homepage:  http://therabbishusband.com/ Mark’s Twitter:  https://twitter.com/markgerson?lang=en The Rabbi’s Husband Newsletter contact: daniel@therabbishusband.com

Master of immersion journalism, A.J. Jacobs, joins Mark on the podcast today. Through his work, A.J. has immersed himself in topics ranging from the Bible to the family, to his most recent topic, gratitude, which he recounts in his book, ‘Thanks a Thousand: A Gratitude Journey’. He is also the author of a book about one of Mark’s heroes, Elvis Presley, and all told, he has written four New York Times bestsellers that, in his words, ‘combine memoir, science, humor and a dash of self-help’. The passage he has chosen to discuss with Mark is Psalms 35:18.   A.J. begins by summarizing the passage, and sharing its importance for him based upon the theme of gratitude within it. He and Mark then go on to explore the nature of gratitude and especially A.J.’s experiences while immersing himself in it for his book. Along the way they touch upon the basis of cognitive behavioral psychology, the key to happiness, A.J.’s grandfather, and the effects of gratitude. They also look at ways to build gratitude into our days, and how we can improve our lives in the process. A.J. draws the episode to a close by offering a glimpse into his next book, and, as is tradition, the lessons about humankind that he has learned. Having taken the time to fully commit himself to the power of gratitude, A.J. Jacobs is, as you will hear, uniquely qualified to analyze this inspirational passage, and provide first hand accounts of its valuable lessons being brought to life in our world today.   Episode Highlights:   ·   A.J.’s summary of the passage and its importance for him ·   Prayers of gratitude ·   The basis of cognitive behavioral psychology ·   The key to happiness ·   A.J.’s grandfather ·   Some of A.J.’s experiences while writing ‘Thanks a Thousand’ ·   Gratitude and happiness ·   How gratitude changes people ·   Noticing, being mindful, slowing down and savoring ·   Changing routines ·   Slowing down time ·   A.J.’s next book ·   How we can improve our lives through the lens of gratitude ·   The lessons about humankind that A.J. has learned   Quotes:   “I’m kind of obsessed with gratitude.”   “We acknowledge the existence of gratitude even before we acknowledge the existence of ourselves.”   “The word Judaism comes from ‘Judah’, the word for thanks, for gratitude.”   “There’s a prayer of gratitude for everything.”   “There is a prayer of thanksgiving for gratitude about gratitude, it’s very meta. Grateful for gratitude.”   “If you want to be a certain way, just act that way, and then, before you know it, you’ll become that way.”   “Deed before creed.”   “It’s easier to act your way into a new way of thinking than to think your way into a new way of acting.”   “Gratitude makes the giver of gratitude more happy.”   “We take hundreds of people for granted everyday.”   “Gratitude teaches you to focus on what is going right.”   “The gratitude is endless.”   “Noticing is a prerequisite to gratitude.”   “Why wait until someone’s funeral to say something nice about them?”   “I think every Jew is our 12th cousin.”   “You had a family reunion with 3700 people.”     Psalms 35:18 that I may praise You in a great congregation, acclaim You in a mighty throng. https://www.sefaria.org/Psalms.35.18?lang=en     Links:   The Rabbi’s Husband homepage:   http://therabbishusband.com/   Mark’s Twitter:   https://twitter.com/markgerson?lang=en   The Rabbi’s Husband Newsletter contact:   daniel@therabbishusband.com

Mark is both delighted and highly honored to welcome Chaplain (Maj. Gen.) Steven A. Schaick, the US Air Force Chief of Chaplains, to the podcast this week. In his role, Chaplain Schaick is the senior pastor for more than 685,000 active duty, Guard, Reserve and civilian forces serving in the U.S. and overseas. He leads a Department of the Air Force Chaplain Corps of approximately 2,000 chaplains and religious affairs Airmen from the active duty and Air Reserve components. The passage he has chosen to discuss with Mark is II Samuel 9-11. Chaplain Schaick’s summary of the passage reaches back to its roots in an earlier chapter in II Samuel that introduces listeners to the relatively little known Mephibosheth, and the similarity of his story to that of Joseph. He and Mark explore the notion of people who have been ‘dropped’, their tendency to allow themselves to be defined by their setbacks, and the Chaplain’s strategies for encouraging all to focus upon their blessings in life. He finishes up the podcast by offering a glimpse of how chaplaincy works with so many service members of different faiths, and, of course, the lessons he has learned about humankind. Brimming with wisdom and insight, Chaplain Schaick’s analysis of this fascinating passage here today reveals its direct relevance not only to his noble ministry but to society as whole, particularly during the pandemic, offering enlightening information and valuable advice for us all in the process. Episode Highlights: · Chaplain Schaick’s summary of the passage, the character introduced in it, and why it’s important for him · The roots of the story in II Samuel 4 and Mephibosheth · This story’s similarity to Joseph’s story · People who have been ‘dropped’ · Focusing on what we can be grateful for even during the pandemic · Clinging to negative experiences · Ministering to those defining themselves by their setbacks · The value of journaling and finding blessings throughout the day · How chaplaincy works among so many people of different faiths · The lessons about humankind that Chaplain Schaick has learned Quotes: “I want to show God’s kindness to whoever remains.” “He’s gone from a nothing to a Prince.” “There is so much that has not changed, and, quite frankly, so much to be thankful for even in the midst of this difficult time.” “This COVID pandemic has been renamed as ‘the thing who has taken everything away from us’, when, in fact, that simply is not true, especially for men and women of faith.” “This was a life defining event for him, as it is for so many people in Africa today.” “So many of us allow ourselves to be defined by what we’re not.” “We’ve been welcomed to be Princes and Princesses and allowed to eat with the King.” “Be a regular and disciplined rememberer of those things that are well with me.” “Writing out five things that went well for you today.” “Be on the hunt for things during the day that really, truly are blessings.” “Increasingly, young people these days are really agnostic when it comes to the brand of theology.” “Young people today are just looking for authenticity.” “We’ll have Southern Baptists going to Muslim prayer service.” “We’ll have Jews attending Christian service.” “Some connect better with others…religion is largely personality informed and driven.” “Human beings are extraordinary actors and actresses.” “Even the most joyful among us are walking a hard road.” “Persons who give the great religions of the world a chance, almost never come up, you know, wanting.” “Faith, for me, is a compass.” “Religion and the word, ligament, come from the very same root word.” II Samuel 9-11 - https://www.sefaria.org/II_Samuel.9.1-11.27?lang=en&with=all&lang2=en Links: The Rabbi’s Husband homepage: http://therabbishusband.com/ Mark’s Twitter: https://twitter.com/markgerson?lang=en The Rabbi’s Husband Newsletter contact: daniel@therabbishusband.com

This week, Mark is delighted to welcome Pastor Jesse Bradley to the podcast. After graduating from Dartmouth College, Jesse went on to become a professional soccer goalkeeper in Zimbabwe, Aberdeen, and Minnesota, before a life threatening illness ended his career. With his Master's Degree in Theology from Dallas Theological Seminary, Jesse is now the Pastor at Grace Community Church in Washington State, and, recently, his brilliant sermon series on the Book of Jonah caught Mark’s attention and admiration. The passage he has chosen to discuss is one of which Mark was previously unaware, The Book of Haggai. Their conversation begins with Jesse describing his faith journey and his illness, before summarizing the passage and why it is of consequence to him. Relating the themes of hope and rebuilding within the passage to the situation through which the world has moved in 2020, Jesse stresses the need for strength to achieve success in the ‘new normal’, the importance of a God-centered life, the greatest need in America these days, and God’s ability to help rebuild lives. He and Mark also discuss the notions of taking a step of faith, God working through us, the greatest gift a parent can give a child, and Jesse’s perspective on the physical church in 2020. As is the tradition for this podcast, it concludes with the lessons our esteemed guest has learned about humankind. As Jesse rightly points out, this passage’s prophet is considered minor solely for the length of the books, definitely not for the power of his words – a fact that is proven beyond a shadow of a doubt in today’s rich and rewarding discussion. Episode Highlights: · Jesse’s faith journey · His life threatening illness · Jesse’s summary of the passage and why it is consequential to him · Strength and success in the ‘new normal’ · A me-centered life compared with a God-centered life · The greatest need in America right now · Rebuilding lives · Taking a step of faith · God working through us · What Jesse has learned about the physical church in 2020 · The greatest gift a parent can give a child · The lessons that Jesse has learned about humankind Quotes: “Sometimes your passion isn’t where your greatest gifts are.” “I never thought I’d be a pastor.” “When my world was truly rocked, that’s where I found, first finding Jesus and then also finding an identity and a security that I’d never had before.” “There was a foundation that began, that ends up being like a rock instead of sand.” “It’s like you have a source of love and joy and peace that you never had before.” “We’ve had six months of rubble.” “We’re not just going to return to what it was like in 2019. We can’t put new wine in old wine skins.” “Success isn’t going to be rebuilding the past.” “The later glory will be the greater glory.” “It’s easy to drift into selfishness.” “Laws don’t change hearts.” “God can rebuild any life.” “I think the home is the place that has to be vibrant. The home is the hub right now.” “When all of God’s people are filled with God’s presence and it’s everywhere they go, 24/7, now you’ve got a church that’s alive.” “When somebody truly knows the living God, it’s like a fountain that can’t be stopped.” “Don’t miss God’s grace. Don’t miss the God of the Bible.” “We need each other far more than we realize.” “We need unity. We need that now.” “We need peace right now.” Book of Haggai - https://www.sefaria.org/Haggai.1.1-2.23?lang=bi&with=all&lang2=en Links: The Rabbi’s Husband homepage: http://therabbishusband.com/ Mark’s Twitter: https://twitter.com/markgerson?lang=en The Rabbi’s Husband Newsletter contact: daniel@therabbishusband.com

Mark is delighted to welcome Rabbi Angela Warnick Buchdahl to the podcast today. Rabbi Buchdahl is the first woman to serve as the Senior Rabbi of Central Synagogue in New York City in its 180-year history, and she is also the first Asian American to be ordained as cantor or rabbi in North America. Having been nationally recognized for her innovations in leading worship, which draw large crowds both in the congregation’s historic Main Sanctuary and via live stream and cable broadcast to viewers in more than 100 countries, Rabbi Buchdahl is, Mark believes, the great role model of what the future of institutional Reform Judaism can be. The passage she has chosen to discuss with Mark is Deuteronomy 29:9-11.   Rabbi Buchdahl begins by sharing her summary of the passage and its significance for her based upon the message of inclusion that she finds within it. She and Mark then explore the foundation of Jewish identity, the accessibility of the Torah and how to teach it, and the most important of the Jewish holidays. They also discuss the power of truly understanding the experience of the stranger, the Rabbi’s bowling alley analogy regarding parenting, and the collective redemption and order found in the Jewish faith. As is the tradition, the episode concludes with the lessons our guest has learned about humankind. As Mark notes, Rabbi Buchdahl is ‘leading American Jewry to a better, better place’, and this truth is brilliantly displayed here today as she reveals so many lessons from this relatively short but incredibly powerful passage for us all to learn and enjoy.   Episode Highlights:   ·   Rabbi Buchdahl’s summary of the passage and its significance to her ·   The message of inclusion within the passage ·   The foundation of the Jewish identity ·   The Torah’s accessibility for all ·   How to teach Torah ·   Rabbi Buchdahl’s advice about keeping holidays ·   Understanding being a stranger in a strange land ·   The Rabbi’s bowling alley analogy regarding parenting ·   Collective redemption and order ·   The lessons about humankind that Rabbi Buchdahl has learned    Quotes:   “I spent a lot of my Jewish life feeling like I wasn’t sure that I also was really standing in Sinai like everybody else.”   “Everyone brings what they have.”   “If you convert to Judaism, you were at Sinai also.”   “This sense of inclusion is very powerful.”   “This to me is a statement of who we are as a people.”   “If you want to commit to this covenant, you’re a part of our people.”   “This Torah is for you. It’s for you today.”   “Oftentimes, the adults learn through the children.”   “There is something very deep about how you own your identity and you own your knowledge when you pass it on.”   “If you actually carry that Jewish memory, like, as if it’s your memory, you cannot walk through the world in the same way.”   “We taste our tears.”   “We’re all born good and pure…there’s the promise that we can return to that original goodness.”   “There’s no way that you can emerge from that crucible, in a sense, without being a changed person if you take Yom Kippur seriously.”   “What you’re doing is what they’re going to learn.”   “Every person is infinitely more powerful than they think they are.”   “Every human has the capacity to change.”   “The power of one person.”     Deuteronomy 29:9-11 You stand this day, all of you, before the LORD your God—your tribal heads, your elders and your officials, all the men of Israel, your children, your wives, even the stranger within your camp, from woodchopper to water drawer— to enter into the covenant of the LORD your God, which the LORD your God is concluding with you this day, with its sanctions; https://www.sefaria.org/Deuteronomy.29.9-11?lang=bi&with=all&lang2=en     Links:   The Rabbi’s Husband homepage: http://therabbishusband.com/   Mark’s Twitter: https://twitter.com/markgerson?lang=en   The Rabbi’s Husband Newsletter contact:   daniel@therabbishusband.com

Joining Mark on the podcast today is Rabbi Efrem Goldberg, Senior Rabbi of Boca Raton Synagogue (BRS), the largest Orthodox Synagogue in the Southeast United States. In addition to his role at BRS, Rabbi Goldberg also serves as Vice President of the Rabbinical Council of America, and as a member of both the Board of Trustees of the Beth Din of America and the AIPAC National Council. He has been deeply involved in Israel in a variety of ways over many years, and his popular blog and podcast, along with his frequent contributions to Aish.com and OU.org, allow him to regularly connect with a vast number of people throughout the world. This great Torah intellectual, scholar, and communicator has selected Exodus 12:1-3 to discuss with Mark. Rabbi Goldberg begins by sharing his summary of the passage, its meaning for him, and the invitation it offers for all to interpret it. He and Mark engage in an extensive analysis of the importance of the journey in life, our spiritual antenna, Abraham’s role as the father of ethical monotheism, and the passage’s central theme of discovering yourself. They also explore the notion of running away from honor, the meaning of Genesis 12:3 to both Evangelical Christians and to the Rabbi, the sacred obligation of the Jewish people, and our ability to overcome our nature and biology. The episode draws to a close with a discussion of the relationship we have with ourselves, and, of course, with the lessons about humankind that Rabbi Goldberg has learned. As you listen in on today’s conversation, you will quickly discover precisely why so many people refer to Rabbi Efrem Goldberg as ‘a legend’, and will undoubtedly just as quickly agree with them. Episode Highlights: · Rabbi Goldberg’s summary of the passage and its meaning for him · The passage’s invitation for all to interpret · The importance of the journey · Our spiritual antenna · Abraham as the father of ethical monotheism · Discovering yourself · Running away from honor · The meaning of Genesis 12:3 to Evangelicals and to the Rabbi · The sacred obligation of the Jewish people · Overcoming your nature and biology · The relationship we have with ourselves · The lessons about humankind that Rabbi Goldberg has learned. Exodus 12:1-3 The LORD said to Moses and Aaron in the land of Egypt: This month shall mark for you the beginning of the months; it shall be the first of the months of the year for you. Speak to the whole community of Israel and say that on the tenth of this month each of them shall take a lamb to a family, a lamb to a household. https://www.sefaria.org/Exodus.12.1-3?lang=bi&with=all&lang2=en  Links: The Rabbi’s Husband homepage:  http://therabbishusband.com/ Mark’s Twitter:  https://twitter.com/markgerson?lang=en The Rabbi’s Husband Newsletter contact: daniel@therabbishusband.com

Mark is deeply honored to welcome living legend, Pat Boone, to the podcast today. Pat is obviously one of the most successful singers in history, but he is also an actor, TV host, producer, songwriter, author, motivational speaker, TV pitchman, radio personality, record company head, TV station owner, sports team owner, family man, and humanitarian. As you will hear today, Pat is also very much one of the people most responsible for the current historic friendship between Christians and Jews centered around Israel and the Torah. Today, he and Mark discuss his love of the Torah, the Jewish people, and the Jewish State. Pat’s unwavering love and support of the Jewish people and State is palpable throughout this episode, particularly as he discusses the impact on his life of the lyrics he wrote for ‘Exodus’, and, in what would come to be known as singing ‘a prophecy’, his opportunity to perform it for troops during his visit to Israel in the midst of the Yom Kippur War. His relationship with Elvis Presley, his plan for peace, his definition of Zionism, and his many tours in Israel are also discussed. Pat tenderly shares the details of his successful 65 years of marriage to his beloved wife, Shirley, and The Boone Life Centre they founded together in Tanzania in conjunction with GOD TV. This thoroughly fascinating episode draws to a close with Pat sharing the lessons he has learned about mankind, and the story behind his role as a Christian Ambassador of Tourism for Israel. In this entertaining and informative conversation that spans many decades in the life of this truly remarkable individual, what becomes crystal clear is Pat Boone’s pioneering role in leading the formidable Christian Jewish friendship that is enjoyed throughout the world today, and the strength of his commitment to ensure its continuity for the future. Episode Highlights: · The story of Pat’s lyrics for the movie ‘Exodus’ · How they came to be displayed on the wall of the Righteous Gentiles at the Yad Vasham · His love of the Torah, the Jewish people, and the Jewish State · Pat’s visit to Israel during the Yom Kippur War · The story of Pat’s friendship with Elvis Presley from their first meeting to their last · Elvis’ relationship with the Jews · His definition of Zionism · The One Year Bible · Pat’s book, ‘“Questions About God And the Answers That Could Change Your Life” · Pat’s tours in Israel · Pat’s wife, Shirley, and her dad, Red Foley · The secret to a long and happy marriage · The Boone Life Centre in Tanzania · GOD TV · The lessons Pat has learned about humankind · Christian Ambassador of Tourism Quotes: “We have so much more in common than we even know yet.” “You sang a prophecy.” “We were two boys from Tennessee that had hit it big.” “We were bonded to Israel.” “The man is spiritually hungry.” “Israel and the Jews were always...part of our history.” “Through Israel all the nations of the Earth will be blessed.” “Israel has become a blessing to every nation in the world.” “We didn’t kiss for 9 months…I came home on Cloud 9.” “Shirley was the ultimate mother and wife.” “It was our commitments to God as well as to each other that made us hang in there.” “I miss her, I love her, she’s all over this house I’m still living in.” “She’s hovering nearby, I think.” “You’re giving water and education. What could be more important?” “Love the Lord thy God.” “The whole duty of man is to fear God and keep his commandments.” Links: The Rabbi’s Husband homepage: http://therabbishusband.com/ Mark’s Twitter: https://twitter.com/markgerson?lang=en The Rabbi’s Husband Newsletter contact: daniel@therabbishusband.com

Senior Vice President of OpenDor Media (formerly Jerusalem U), Noam Weissman, joins Mark on the podcast today. Noam is also the host of the podcast ‘Unpacking Israeli History’, and prior to his current roles, he was the Principal of Shalhevet High School, where he taught a range of subjects, including Talmud, Tanakh, Jewish philosophy and Israel Education. Today, he has chosen two stories from Genesis, the narrative of Sodom and the binding of Isaac, as well as the connection between them, to discuss with Mark. Their conversation today is a wide ranging one which not only summarizes the two stories, but also delves deeply into the many themes and lessons within, their relevance to our present day, and, of course the connection between the two. Such notions as becoming the Chosen People, the invention of morality, divine commands and moral philosophy, Abraham’s great accomplishment, and identity protective cognition are explored all within the context of Abraham’s journey toward becoming a knight of faith. Noam concludes with the lessons he has learned about humankind, which quickly segues into the nature and styles of parenting. Drawing upon their own insights and the wisdom of a number of Torah scholars, Noam and Mark engage in a thoroughly rewarding back and forth exchange, alternating between challenging, supporting, and building upon each other’s interpretation of these two pivotal texts, ultimately revealing the eternal guidance the texts have to offer. Episode Highlights: · Noam’s summaries of Genesis 18 and 22 · “Perhaps the most instructive verse in the entire Bible.” · Covenantal morality · Becoming the Chosen People · God enjoying Abraham’s challenging Him · The invention of morality · The spiritual zenith of Abraham’s career · Why Abraham challenges God in Genesis 18 but no Genesis 22 · Divine commands and moral philosophy · The last encounter of Abraham with God, Isaac, and Sarah · Abraham’s great accomplishment and 21st Century social science · Humility – the most important quality · Identity protective cognition · Viewing the history and society of Israel from multiple perspectives · The tension of ideas · What it means to be a Jew · Becoming a knight of faith · The lessons Noam has learned about humankind · Parenting styles and the relationship between parent and child Quotes: “I’m going to invite Abraham into My thinking.” “Inviting Abraham into the conversation in order to construct morality.” “The very purpose of the Jewish people in the Bible, not because they are…the Chosen People, but to be the Chosen People.” “Are you really willing to kill the innocent with the guilty? That doesn’t seem to be very ethical.” “God never directly commands Abraham to sacrifice his son.” “For Abraham to take Isaac off of the altar was many times harder than for him to offer him up in the first place.” “Self-justification of our past…dictates our future.” “This was Abraham’s great accomplishment, is being able to say, ‘I was wrong, and I’m going to change’.” “Embracing the joy of being wrong.” “People don’t change their minds.” “We see Abraham transcend himself at the end without getting anything in return for it.” “I believe that people are good.” “Teaching students and teaching adults is really quite similar.” “In order to do good, you need a bilateral relationship.” Genesis 18 - https://www.sefaria.org/Genesis.18.1-33?lang=bi&with=all&lang2=en Genesis 22 - https://www.sefaria.org/Genesis.22.1-24?lang=bi&with=all&lang2=en Links: The Rabbi’s Husband homepage: http://therabbishusband.com/ Mark’s Twitter: https://twitter.com/markgerson?lang=en The Rabbi’s Husband Newsletter contact: daniel@therabbishusband.com ‘Unpacking Israeli History’ podcast: https://unpacked.media/unpacking-israeli-history-podcast/

Rabbi Yehuda Sarna is Mark’s very special guest on the podcast today. Rabbi Sarna serves as the University Chaplain and Executive Director at the Bronfman Center for Jewish Student Life at New York University, and as the Chief Rabbi of the Jewish Community of the United Arab Emirates. He is also the editor of ‘The Koren Shabbat Evening Siddur’, and the ‘Orthodox Forum Series: Toward a Jewish Perspective on Culture’, and is a prolific author. The passage he has chosen to discuss with Mark is Genesis 12:1-3.   Rabbi Sarna begins by sharing his summary of the passage, its significance for him, and his perspective on the uncertainty of Abraham’s journey. He and Mark then engage in an extensive examination of the notions of God’s ambiguous directions, Abraham’s response to these and how it reflects his priorities, and the virtually universal approach to interpreting ambiguities. They also look at the most important passage in the Torah for Evangelical Christians, and the importance of the hospitality message of the Abrahamic Narrative for Muslims including its contributions to the Abrahamic Family House in Abu Dhabi. The episode concludes with their discussion of power and influence, Abraham’s role as a dealmaker, and the lessons that Rabbi Sarna has learned about humankind. As the Rabbi states, ‘We are a learning species’, and, indeed, there is so much for us all to learn from this informative, insightful, and joyfully passionate discussion here today.   Episode Highlights:   ·   Rabbi Sarna’s summary of the passage and its significance for him ·   The uncertainty of Abraham’s journey ·   God’s intentional ambiguity and Abraham’s interpretation ·   The promise of becoming a great nation ·   Abraham’s priority of family over land ·   Interpreting ambiguities ·   The most important passage in the Torah for Evangelical Christians ·   The importance of the hospitality message of the Abrahamic Narrative for Muslims ·   The Abrahamic Family House in Abu Dhabi ·   Power and influence ·   Abraham as a dealmaker ·   The lessons Rabbi Sarna has learned about humankind   Quotes:   “Abraham is called and he begins his journey.”   “The truth is…in one way or another, we’re all on a journey.”   “There’s actually no part of what God says to Abraham which is straightforward.”   “Very often when we have an instruction from God, actually it’s not clear exactly what He wants.”   “God speaks in ambiguous terms and Abram has to make a decision about what it is that God is actually telling him to do.”   “It’s the promise of continuity, it’s the promise of a next generation, it’s the promise of becoming a great nation.”   “Abram feels like he is coming from a cursed place…change of place, change of luck – that’s what Abram was looking for.”   “What you’re seeing here is a negotiation between the ambiguous word of God and Abram’s circumstance.”   “The very first Jewish accountant.”   “How can we make you feel as you belong?”   “The war for hearts and minds is becoming increasingly important in the information age.”   “Abram more than any other biblical character is a dealmaker.”   “When you are an influencer, you can rely and you can trust the power of others.”   “We need each other.”   “At our core, we are a learning species.”     Genesis 12:1-3 The LORD said to Abram, “Go forth from your native land and from your father’s house to the land that I will show you. I will make of you a great nation, And I will bless you; I will make your name great, And you shall be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you And curse him that curses you; And all the families of the earth Shall bless themselves by you.” https://www.sefaria.org/Genesis.12.1-3?lang=bi&with=all&lang2=en     Links:   The Rabbi’s Husband homepage:   http://therabbishusband.com/   Mark’s Twitter:   https://twitter.com/markgerson?lang=en   The Rabbi’s Husband Newsletter contact:   daniel@therabbishusband.com

Mark is delighted to welcome Ambassador Ido Aharoni to the podcast today. Currently the Global Distinguished Professor for international relations at New York University’s Graduate School of Arts and Science, Ido is a 25-year veteran of Israel’s Foreign Service, a public diplomacy specialist, founder of the Brand Israel Program, and a well-known nation branding practitioner. He has been Israel's longest serving Consul-General in New York and the tri-state area to date, holding that position with the rank of Ambassador for six years. The passage he has chosen to discuss with Mark is The Pesach Narrative.   Their conversation begins with Ido reciting the passage in both Hebrew and English, describing his personal connection to it, and its significance during Pesach. He goes on to describe Zionism and the shared destiny of the Jewish people, maintaining survivability and continuity through storytelling, others’ perspective of the Jewish collective, and the play, ‘A Happy End’. He and Mark also explore the notion of the personal Exodus, the complementary national and psychological implications of the passage, the documentary ‘Children of the Inquisition’, and the impact of discovering one’s Jewish heritage. Ido concludes the episode with his belief in welcoming interested people into the Jewish collective, and the lessons he has learned about humankind. Ido’s wisdom, experience, and enthusiasm shine forth brilliantly in his analysis of this seminal passage here today, as he reveals both its relevance and guidance for all in our modern world.   Episode Highlights:   ·   Ido’s reading of the passage in both Hebrew and English ·   His personal connection to the passage ·   This significance of this passage during Pesach ·   Zionism and the shared destiny of the Jewish people ·   Maintaining survivability and continuity through storytelling ·   Others’ perception of the Jewish collective ·   Iddo Netanyahu’s play, ‘A Happy End’ ·   The personal Exodus ·   The complementary national and psychological implications of this passage ·   Joseph Lovett’s documentary, ‘Children of the Inquisition’ ·   The impact of discovering one’s Jewish heritage ·   Welcoming people to the Jewish collective ·   The lessons about humankind that Ido has learned   Quotes: “My grandmother actually came out of Egypt.”   “My entire public career was devoted to the celebration of Zionism.”   “Zionism equals Jewish self-determination.”   “Zionism was never a big hit among Jews…the biggest critics of Zionism were Jews.”   “Jews substituted history for memory.”   “We’re all trying to escape our own personal Egypts at all times.”   “The power to define who you are is given to you, but you cannot ignore the others’ definition of yourself.”   “It’s them who define who we are, and it’s an interesting lesson to be learned.”   “Each person has his or her own Exodus, own liberating process.”   “This is how our people survived throughout history.”    “One of our jobs is to provide safe haven for all Jews.”   “There’s a contract, a legal contract, between the State of Israel and every person who is Jewish or of Jewish background in the world.”   “I think it’s a mistake, from a historical perspective, to reject people who want to be part of the collective.”   “It’s about being part of the same narrative.”   “At the end of the day, the good guys always win.”   “At the end of the day, touch the lives of the people around you.”   “Diplomacy is the absolute opposite of war. Diplomacy’s all about relationships. It’s all about the promotion of goodness.”     Mishnah Pesachim 10:5 In every generation a person must regard himself as though he personally had gone out of Egypt, https://www.sefaria.org/sheets/63099.1?lang=bi&with=all&lang2=en&p3=Mishnah_Pesachim.10.5&lang3=bi     Links:   The Rabbi’s Husband homepage:   http://therabbishusband.com/   Mark’s Twitter:   https://twitter.com/markgerson?lang=en   The Rabbi’s Husband Newsletter contact:   daniel@therabbishusband.com

Marissa Streit, CEO of PragerU, is Mark’s very special guest on the podcast today. A Los Angeles native, Marissa moved to Israel at a young age, where she completed her primary education and served in military intelligence of the Israeli Defense Force. She earned a bachelor’s degree in Business and Economics from UCLA, a master’s degree in Education and Non-Profit Management from American Jewish University, and joined PragerU, one of the most respected, go-to resources for conservative ideas, in 2011. The passage she has chosen to discuss with Mark today is Exodus 20:7. Marissa begins by reciting the passage in both Hebrew and English, and focuses on its translation of ‘carry God’s name’ as the basis for the meaning it holds for her. She and Mark then explore why this is one of the most important of the Ten Commandments, the significance of these Commandments having been given outside of Israel, and the current occurrences of people doing horrible things in God’s name – the one unforgivable sin. They also examine people’s need for meaning in their lives, as well as the dangers of creating God in our image and pursuing ‘Godly causes’ of our own design. Marissa finishes up by sharing the lessons about humankind that she has learned, leading to a further discussion of God’s love of diversity in people. Episode Highlights: · Marissa’s reading of the passage in both Hebrew and English and its meaning for her · ‘Carry God’s name’ · Why it is one of the most important commandments · The significance of the Ten Commandments being given outside of Israel · People doing horrible things in God’s name in current times · The one unforgivable sin · Craving a craving · Creating God in our image · The dangers of substituting yourself, your cause, or your belief for God · The lessons that Marissa has learned about humankind · The four different personality types – eagles, parrots, doves, and owls · God’s love of diversity Quotes: “You cannot use My name to do something bad.” “Possibly one of the most important commandments and that is because if people allow themselves to use God’s name to do evil, what kind of a world are we going to be living in?” “God doesn’t want us to do horrible things to other people in His name.” “These are rules for humanity, not just rules for people of Israel.” “That’s the one unforgivable sin – to use My name to do evil.” “Just within the first few commandments, we’re given a true…prediction of what happens in an atheist or a world that moves away from the Ten Commandments.” “Everybody yearns for God.” “You should not replace God with literally anything.” “More Bible and more Torah, specifically, is good for everybody on both sides to just remind each other that you should not do evil things to other people in the name of what you believe is a Godly cause.” “Can you imagine what a beautiful community we would have if we could just say…’I may not agree with you, but…respect you…and I can learn from you’?” “A little more humility on all sides will bring us together and will bring us peace.” “Everyone I see, I can learn from.” “All humans need different perspectives always in their lives.” “Understanding that humans function in such different ways has been very helpful to me.” Exodus 20:7 You shall not swear falsely by the name of the LORD your God; for the LORD will not clear one who swears falsely by His name. https://www.sefaria.org/Exodus.20.7?lang=en&with=all&lang2=en Links: The Rabbi’s Husband homepage: http://therabbishusband.com/ Mark’s Twitter: https://twitter.com/markgerson?lang=en The Rabbi’s Husband Newsletter contact: daniel@therabbishusband.com